Former Auburn forward [autotag]Isaac Okoro[/autotag] will stay a Cleveland Cavalier through his age 26 season.
The 23-year-old agreed to terms on a 3-year, $38 Million contract extension on Saturday, officially ending his restricted free agency well before NBA teams are expected to report to training camp later this fall.
Okoro, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft lottery, has brought the defensive prowess he flashed on the Plains to Cleveland throughout his four NBA seasons. While the Atlanta, GA native is still working to grow as a scorer, his defense and his ability to stay available for nearly every game has made him a valuable piece in head coach J. B. Bickerstaff’s rotation.
Okoro’s ability to ink a “Max Contract” when he enters his athletic prime in three years will likely come down to his ability to grow as a scorer. Despite providing value elsewhere, the former Tiger has yet to average double-digit points per game in any of his four seasons in the Association. His highest scoring output came in his rookie season, when Okoro managed 9.6 points per contest, although his field goal percentage (42%) was the worst of his career.
Standing at 6-5, Okoro is now set to retain his role as a key bench piece and wing defender in Cleveland for the foreseeable future. In his NBA career, the former Tiger is averaging 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. He and the “Cavs” open the preseason on October 8 against the Bulls.
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