The Big Board 2020: #5, Isaac Okoro

As we continue through the 2020 NBA draft profile series, we’ll proceed to to breakdown our opinions of potential draftees, analyzing their fit with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This draft continues to be perceived as lackluster with a very flat distribution of talent after the alleged (yes, alleged) top three of Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and James Wiseman. Though not my favorite prospect, this is my best educated guess for who the Cavaliers are targeting in the upcoming draft, Isaac Okoro. Why’d we rank him No. 5? Well that’s the pick the Cavs have.

The Breakdown: Isaac Okoro, Age: 19.6 Height: 6-6; Wingspan: 6-9; Weight: 220 lbs, Auburn Tigers of the NCAA (United States). Splits (Pts./Reb./Ast.): 12.9/4.4/2.0, 0.9 steals. Shooting Splits (FG/3Pt/FT): 51/29/67.

Isaac Okoro was a true freshman for Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers in the SEC. Although not the focal point of the veteran laden Tigers squad, Okoro impressed with his defensive abilities (often guarded the opposing team’s best player) and willingness to do all the little things.

Okoro’s strengths include his strong and flexible defensive ability (can guard 1-4) and better than expected driving/finishing capabilities. In addition, his athleticism has been praised as there are moments his burst and speed were on display. Okoro showed incredible composure and high IQ for a first year player, being a willing cutter and slasher. Though a big physical wing capable of highlight reel dunks, Okoro also highlighted a soft touch around the hoop when playing through contact with the ability to finish with either hand.

Okoro has great functional strength on defense, good hip movement, and stays in a good stance. He also shows the ability to stunt and recover in multiple defensive schemes, and a good basketball IQ on the ball and off. There’s been more than one Marcus Smart comp on defense. Okoro really comes in as the wing defender most ready to contribute right away due to his frame, strength, IQ and flexibility.

Some scouts believe that Okoro can continue to develop his playmaking abilities with a potential ceiling of being secondary playmaker from the wing while also being a true lockdown defender.

In terms of weaknesses in Okoro’s game, the most glaring one is his shooting. Okoro shot under 30% from three and under 70% from the free throw line, indicating that his shot will need some work. Although he has a strong touch around the basket, his mechanics can be very inconsistent, especially from the mid-range and out to the three point line.

The Stepien’s Spencer Pearlman broke down Isaac’s broken shooting mechanics.

Form needs work. Has a natural dip that gets him into rhythm, but looks a bit rigid / stiff as he goes into his shot. The upper body mechanics need work – left elbow pops out on the dip as his shoulder gets rigid; left arm pops out immediately going into the shooting motion with the left hand on top of the ball; right elbow flares a little, though not a crazy amount (now he’s at a double elbow flare); he is prone to “thumbing” the ball with his left hand as he removes it from the ball; then his right arm pops back in as he shoots the ball. Even though the upper body mechanics / release of the ball needs work, the lower body mechanics are not bad.

Another point of improvement with Okoro could be his isolation capabilities. Although Okoro has shown a willingness to create, it is not his biggest strength as his preference is to attack downhill without much shake. Okoro’s defense has always been his best trait but he plays more like a shutdown corner compared to a gambling turnover creator which could also be added to his repertoire as a player.

How He’d Fit on the Cavs: Okoro’s fit with the Cavs would be fairly simple. He would slot in at the wing and be tasked to guard the best perimeter player on the opposing team. In terms of a comp for me, Okoro could be a slighter but more athletic Luguentz Dort as a rookie (check the Rockets/Thunder tape) with an upside scenario of Gerald Wallace/Andre Iguodala if his shot and playmaking improve. He’s a solid passer who should be able to make the swings and won’t be a ball stopper. Until he shows some playmaking ability though, Okoro will get most of his points cutting, getting on the o-boards, running the floor, and shooting only when wide open.

Okoro has somewhat of a high floor with the Cavs due to his defensive capabilities but his upside could be fantastic if he can fix his outside shooting (something the Cavs FO believes they are able to do). Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor gave his prediction earlier this week.

My early favorite in this scenario, if the Cavs are picking with all three wings available, is Okoro. He’s a ready-made player on the defensive end and the Cavs believe shooting, in many cases, is a correctable flaw. But the pre-draft process will be important, just as it was with Collin Sexton in 2018 and Darius Garland last year

What he should be working on: Jump shot. Jump shot. Jump shot. Off ball movement. Playmaking.

Why the Cavs Should (or Shouldn’t) Draft Him: There are many reasons to like Isaac Okoro’s game and fit with the Cavaliers. He’s a high character/work ethic guy with a strong defensive acumen. In addition, he fits the need of a wing player that can play from day one. Personally, there are other wings in the draft that can fit even better (*cough* *cough* Devin Vassell) but Okoro offers upside due to the room for improvement on his jumpshot while having a solid foundation of good defensive traits. One worry is that Okoro may measure closer to six-four than six-six, but with his strength and wingspan, that’s not detrimental. Considering the Cavs FO believe they can help fix his jump shot, Okoro may be too tempting for Koby Altman to pass up. Though not my first choice, I would be satisfied if Isaac Okoro is the pick for Cleveland in the upcoming NBA Draft.