After locking All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell to a new deal, the Cleveland Cavaliers enter the upcoming season as contenders in the Eastern Conference. The same can’t be said for promising wing Isaac Okoro as the former lottery pick is reportedly linked to the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason.
Before he entered the NBA, Okoro played high school basketball at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, where he had a successful career. During his senior season there, he led his team to a state championship and national ranking.
Okoro was considered a top recruit and committed to play college basketball at Auburn University. As a freshman, he was named to the Second-team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team. After his successful college season, Okoro declared for the 2020 NBA Draft and was selected fifth overall by the Cavaliers.
In his rookie season, Okoro showed promise as a potential two-way wing player, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He has continued to be a key rotation player for the Mitchell and the Cavaliers in his first few seasons, showcasing his defensive abilities and steadily improving his offensive game. Okoro’s combination of athleticism, perimeter defense, and developing scoring skills have made him an important part of the Cavs young core as they look to return to the playoffs.
Brooklyn Nets Emerge As Possible Landing Spot For Cleveland Cavaliers’ Isaac Okoro
The defensive-minded guard has entered the offseason as restricted free agent under the control of Cleveland. According to an article written by Michael Scotto for Hoops Hype, there’s a good chance Okoro will play for the Nets next season.
“The Nets are among the teams considered a sign-and-trade possibility for Okoro, though nothing is considered imminent with Brooklyn, sources said. As previously reported by HoopsHype, Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has drawn trade interest from Cleveland and has come up in discussions for Okoro, sources said. Cleveland is also intrigued by Cam Johnson, according to reports,” Scotto wrote.
Last season, Okoro averaged 9.4 points on 39 percent shooting from the field, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. While his offensive box score of -1.8 leaves a lot to be desired, the guard’s 0.7 defensive rating indicates productive he is on that end of the court.
It remains to be seen where Okoro will end up when the upcoming season begins. In any case, the Cavs will be aiming to get the most of their player in a bid to become better when the NBA returns later this year.
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