The Cleveland Cavaliers have once again strengthened their commitment to building a competitive team around young talent, extending the contract of Isaac Okoro for three years at a value of $38 million. Okoro, the last restricted free agent on the market, has proven to be a pivotal part of the Cavaliers’ recent successes and future aspirations.
Selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro has spent his entire professional career with the Cavaliers. His growth and contributions were evident last season, where he posted averages of 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Notably, Okoro made significant strides in his shooting, achieving a career-high 39.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts per game. His improved shooting provided the Cavaliers with much-needed spacing and versatility on the floor.
Building Around Young Talent
The Cavaliers' strategic moves during the offseason underscore their dedication to cultivating a robust roster of young, talented players. Okoro’s extension follows a series of significant commitments, including a three-year, $150 million extension with Donovan Mitchell, a five-year, $224 million deal with Evan Mobley, and a three-year, $91 million extension with Jarrett Allen. These moves signal the franchise's belief in the potential of their current core to bring sustained success.
The faith in Okoro, in particular, indicates the Cavaliers’ trust in his defensive prowess and developing offensive game. Starting in 42 games last season, Okoro has demonstrated his ability to take on major responsibilities on both ends of the court, often tasked with guarding the opponent's most dangerous wings while also contributing to the Cavaliers' scoring efforts.
A New Era for the Cavaliers
The past season was a milestone for the Cavaliers, marking their first postseason appearance since the departure of LeBron James for the second time. Not only did the Cavaliers advance to the playoffs, but they also won a playoff series without James for the first time since 1993. This achievement underscores the potential of this new-look Cavaliers team and fuels optimism for their future endeavors.
However, their journey came to a halt in the second round, where they were eliminated by the Boston Celtics. The playoff exit prompted the organization to make a coaching change, parting ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff. In June, the Cavaliers appointed Kenny Atkinson as the new head coach. Atkinson, known for his developmental acumen and strategic approach, brings a fresh perspective and is expected to harness the young roster’s potential to its fullest.
Atkinson's reputation for player development and his tactical creativity are well-documented from his previous coaching stints. Under his guidance, the Cavaliers hope to refine their strategies and continue growing as a cohesive unit. The extension of core players such as Okoro, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen provides Atkinson with a solid foundation to implement his vision.
Looking Forward
The Cleveland Cavaliers have embarked on a clear path of replenishment and growth, focusing on developing their young assets while ensuring stability through strategic contract extensions. Isaac Okoro's new deal is a testament to the franchise's trust in his continued growth and potential to be a significant contributor. With Kenny Atkinson at the helm and a roster brimming with talent, the Cavaliers appear poised to make deeper playoff runs and potentially return to the upper echelons of the NBA.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Cavaliers to see how their youthful core, bolstered by strategic veteran leadership, will navigate the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference. For fans in Cleveland, there’s a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation that their team is on the verge of something special.