The Cleveland Cavaliers have numerous decisions to make this offseason. While Donovan Mitchell’s extension and the statuses of Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen will dominate headlines, one crucial signing could significantly impact the team’s future under their new coach.
Isaac Okoro will become a restricted free agent, giving other teams the opportunity to make him contract offers. If another team expresses interest and makes an offer, should Cleveland match it?
Here’s why the Cavaliers need to re-sign Okoro this offseason. Drafted fifth overall in 2020, Okoro was touted as “the next Kawhi Leonard” due to his defensive prowess. While he may not reach Leonard’s level defensively, he is one of the league’s top point-of-attack defenders, greatly contributing to Cleveland’s defensive success. Although the Cavaliers post more blocks and a slightly lower opponent field goal percentage without him, Okoro’s real impact is at the perimeter. His defense reduces opponents’ three-point percentage by nearly 10% and significantly lowers the Cavaliers’ defensive rating.
Okoro’s defensive impact is evident, as nearly every Cavalier posted a lower defensive rating when playing alongside him. Dean Wade, the only exception, has a valid reason: Wade becomes more crucial defensively when Okoro is not on the court. Although Wade’s stats might suggest better defense without Okoro, it was only over eight games, highlighting Wade’s defensive abilities rather than diminishing Okoro’s impact.
Okoro even managed to improve Marcus Morris Sr.’s defense despite Morris Sr. joining the team late in the season. Over 12 games with Okoro and four without, Morris Sr.’s defense saw notable improvement.
Initially not known for his scoring, Okoro has developed his offensive game. While his scoring volume hasn’t dramatically increased, he has become a more efficient scorer, adding a reliable three-point shot and reducing turnovers to fewer than one per game. He has improved his three-point shooting by over 10 percentage points since his rookie season and has increased his overall field goal percentage by eight points. This season, he tied for the second-highest three-point percentage on the team.
Okoro’s impact on Cleveland’s ability to win is substantial. He helped the Cavaliers achieve a 41-28 record this season, compared to a 7-6 record without him. He has consistently played in at least 67 games each season, demonstrating his desire to be on the court.
Unless another team offers Okoro a franchise-cornerstone level contract, which is unlikely, the Cavaliers should be able to match any offer without hindering their ability to extend Mitchell. Given Okoro’s proven availability, consistency, and impact on both defense and overall team success, re-signing him should be a top priority for the Cavaliers this offseason.