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LAS VEGAS – Call it an experiment. Perhaps foreshadowing.
As starters were announced ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Summer League opener, Isaac Okoro was awarded the “guard” label, sharing the backcourt with Brodric Thomas.
Technically, Thomas was the starting point guard. Okoro on 2. But last year’s No.5 pick spent much of his 27 minutes orchestrating the offense – a pre-planned approach after an offseason that focused on developing the Okoro play and play set.
“Obviously we want Isaac to handle the ball a bit more in the Summer League, so it’s not going to look amazing or completely natural right away,” coach JJ Outlaw admitted after the 84 loss. Cleveland’s -76 against the Houston Rockets in a Juicy Thomas. & Mack Center.
Point Okoro has had mixed results.
On the one hand, Okoro attacked the edge of the dribble and overpowered the defenders, appearing too advanced physically and mentally for this stage. Okoro didn’t play in the Summer League until his rookie year. The showcase has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the funky circumstances surrounding his first year, Okoro led the Cavaliers in minutes and was named Second Team All-Rookie.
Most of that 2,173 was spent on a small attacker, in a low-use role that typically saw him think after the attacking while playing in corners, spacing out 3 points and making cuts. away from the ball – a stark contrast to how it was used on Sunday.
“It’s fun there. I was just enjoying my time, enjoying the moment, trying to lead the team and be the communicator, ”Okoro said. “I feel like I’ve done the right readings. I feel like I’m improving. I’m looking to improve the next game on this. We need to move the ball more.
This last part is the key. It is his responsibility as the primary playmaker to involve others. Okoro scored 17 of 7 of 13 points from the field and 2 of 6 of 3 points. He also punctuated his night with a fierce driving dunk, using a screen to fly over Jalen Green, then Euro-stepping around Alperen Sengun – an advanced move that flexed Darius Garland along the baseline.
But Okoro, the 20-year-old swingman with a chiseled physique and maybe an extra inch of height (though Okoro says he hasn’t measured himself recently), has had more turnovers (three) than assists. (of them). Some of his workouts were unproductive, his grip was a bit loose, and there were a few confusing passes. Okoro – and the other guards – struggled to consistently feed prized recruit Evan Mobley in the right places, at the right time, when he was open. Even though Mobley can create for himself, as evidenced by half of his shots on Sunday night, the big guys often depend on their teammates to get them involved – and keep them – at this end of the pitch. It’s a path to easier baskets.
This is something Okoro is learning. It is a work in progress. Nonetheless, Okoro relishes the opportunity. He lights up when asked about this new role.
“I love doing it,” Okoro said. “I always did it my later years, but I never did it in a game. I’m just trying to show that I can handle the ball and be a playmaker.
It’s part of the evolution of Okoro, who is best known for his defense. The Cavs clearly want to expand this offensive repertoire. Part of the reason is the lack of attacking potential with a projected starting lineup featuring Garland and Collin Sexton alongside Okoro, Mobley and Jarrett – neither of whom are currently a reliable scoring source. The other part is the potential for Okoro to receive more 2-guard minutes this season – a distinct possibility given the widespread business speculation around Sexton, the versatility of Larry Nance Jr. that allows him to play the 3 in some lineups. and Dylan Windler back after another injury-ravaged season. After all, Okoro slipping into the backcourt is where some in the organization think his future home will be.
For that to happen, Okoro needs to be a more balanced threat on the ball in the half court. Passing, ball handling, decision making and dribbling creation are all tied to this. The same goes for filming – another area of interest for Okoro in recent months.
Working with Cleveland’s much-regarded development staff, Okoro tweaked his hand placement and release slightly, in an effort to get more bow on his questionable rider. From college, it’s the flickering question mark, the main thing that will determine if he becomes the two-way player that the Cleveland staff are predicting.
Already an explosive athlete, Okoro combining the threat of an outside shot consistent with his speed, strength, quickness, power, IQ, edge finish, a quick first step and maybe an expanded game, would change the game. conversation.
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