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Cavs: Isaac Okoro more than earned his NBA All-Rookie Second Team

By Chad Porto

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket as Nicolas Claxton #33 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 16, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 123-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket as Nicolas Claxton #33 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 16, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 123-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Isaac Okoro of the Cavs won the first NBA award of his career.

Isaac Okoro can now call himself an NBA All-Rookie second-teamer with his selection on Thursday. The Cavs first-round pick from 2020 had a rough start to the year, struggling to score consistently. Okoro averaged 9.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 1.9 APG. While his struggles offensively continued, he did show some strength on the offensive side of things in two ways.

First, he became a really good inside scorer. While his jump shot and three-point shot never really found their mark, when Okoro was able to drive he was very efficient. More efficient than guys like Tony Allen and Bruce Bowne, who many claimed Okoro would turn into, defensively speaking.

The other way that Okoro impressed offensively was in transition. He showed his worth when he was running the floor, able to get out ahead of his opponent and utilize his size and strength to force his way to the rim.

Defensively he struggled, but that could be attributed to him guarding the best players on the court. Still, if you’re the fifth overall pick due to your defense, you better make sure your defense is top-notch.

Isaac Okoro needs to improve in year two.

It’s not good enough to just make the second team for Isaac Okoro. Looking at the other nine players who made the team, Okoro has a chance to surpass a lot of them if he really can find that next level.

Okoro ended up being the second to lowest player point-wise of the 10 rookies. Joining him on the second team are Desmond Bane, Immanuel Quickley, Isaiah Stewart, and Patrick Williams. The first team saw LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, Saddiq Bey, and Jae’Sean Tate. A lot of talent on this list but not so much that Okoro couldn’t be among the best from this draft class.

That means being better as a sophomore than he was a rookie. Okoro needs to work on his three-point shot most of all. In order to make it in the NBA as a wing, he has to be able to make three’s. Otherwise, no matter how good he is defensively, the Cavs will play 4-on-5 most nights when they have the ball in their possession.

Next. Cavs: 4 restricted free agent point guards Cleveland should go after. dark

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