Isaac Okoro quickly fills the starting five’s weakest position
Teams will often have to make the choice while drafting between the best available or positional needs of the team. The beauty about the Cavaliers’ Okoro pick is that they may have nailed both.
Okoro was often credited as the best defensive wing prospect of this year’s draft. Mock drafts were inconsistent this year with players outside of the top three (Edwards, Ball, and Wiseman) landing all over the place. If Okoro’s defense is as advertised and his offense improves, the Cavs may have landed the best player left on the board at number five.
On top of this, Okoro fits the biggest positional need of the Cavaliers’ starting unit. If the Cavs are intent on continuing with the pairing of Sexton and Garland, Cedi Osman is the most replaceable starter. Cedi has established himself as a solid rotational player, but no one will question the fact that Okoro has a much higher ceiling.
It’s ideal for Okoro to be able to slot into a starting position without much competition or egos to worry about. Kevin Porter Jr. is the only other wing with starting potential right now, but he has proven to be electric off the bench and his future is in question with his recent off-court conduct.