Factory Of Sadness
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3 things the Cleveland Cavaliers need to chase a title in 2024

By Chad Porto

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waves to the crowd during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 18, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 107-90. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waves to the crowd during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 18, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 107-90. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Feb 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) brings the ball up court in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) brings the ball up court in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting small forward

Isaac Okoro was the team’s primary starter at small forward this year. The defensive-minded wing showed an improved shooting stroke from behind the line, raising his three-point accuracy from 35% to 36.3%. The problem is, he’s only shooting just a hair over two threes per game, so that’s not actually all that good.

More importantly, he’s only taking shots at the rim or from three-point range. 86% of his shots are either at the rim or behind the three-point line. That may sound like a player who only takes high-percentage shots, but that’s actually a player who is unable to pull up from mid-range and shoot if he has to.

The ball dies in Okoro’s hands because he doesn’t have a deep enough offensive game to be a starting forward in the NBA. Maybe on a team that has plenty of scoring, for instance, Phoenix, would his lack of offense not be a problem. Maybe he just needs time, so a team like Charlotte, who is in a full rebuild and going younger, could give Okoro a couple more years to develop his shot.

The Cavs don’t have that kind of time.

They need to upgrade the starting small forward position this offseason by hook or crook, and Charlotte actually may be the best team to trade with. They have a player in Gordon Hayward who fits what the Cavs need, assuming he can stay healthy.

3 big moves the Cleveland Cavaliers could probably swing this offseason. dark. Next

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