Fly War Eagle will always have eyes on Tigers at the next level. Isaac Okoro’s return is a great thing for Cleveland as well as for Auburn basketball.
Tonight, after missing the last five games with a foot injury and a run-in with the NBA’s Health and Safety protocol, former Auburn basketball star Isaac Okoro is set to return to the NBA hardwood for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And, as King James Gospel’s Dan Gilinsky pointed out, it isn’t a moment too soon with injuries mounting in “the Land”:
"With the injury bug hitting the Wine and Gold hard here, they’ll need Okoro to aid in creating open looks for other guys, such as Andre Drummond, Larry Nance Jr., Collin Sexton and perhaps Damyean Dotson. Okoro, who had five assists in his first game, in what was a W versus the Charlotte Hornets, does need to be able to knock down some catch-and-shoot looks, and help as a driver, clearly, though, too.Okoro placed in the 89th percentile on shots around the rim in the halfcourt, and in the 80th percentile in transition scoring in his lone collegiate season at Auburn, per Synergy Sports and as h/t NBA.com, for further scoring context.Again, though, with it not being clear as to when Dellavedova is able to go, Exum’s injury and with Garland sidelined a bit, and with Love out, Okoro will need to aid in initiating productive ball movement."
Okoro has one of the highest ceilings on the Cleveland Cavaliers, probably second at this point only to Collin Sexton. Sexton, of Alabama Crimson Tide infamy, has been torching nets to the tune of 25 points on 55/54/88 shooting. A 50/40/90 season is well within reach for the ‘Bama baller, but his three assists per game leave plenty to be desired–especially considering that he is the team’s starting floor general.
That’s where Okoro comes into play. People tend to be more giving on the Plains than in Tuscaloosa.
In his debut against the Charlotte Hornets, Okoro dished out five assists. While he failed to register a single dime in his second game against Detroit, something was clearly up with the first-year swingman, considering he didn’t score and missed all four of his attempts from the field.
Let’s just chalk the Detroit contest to injuries and adjustment. Expect better from Okoro tonight as the Cavaliers look to get back on track against the Orlando Magic.
Make Auburn basketball proud, Ice!