Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: 3 buy-low candidates to target this offseason

By Cem Yolbulan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 03: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 03: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Isaac Okoro

Another young player with a high defensive upside who needs a change to fully come into his own is Isaac Okoro of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 5th-overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro lived up to expectations on the defensive end, being able to guard multiple positions as a shooting guard. However, he has shown a disappointing lack of improvement on the offensive end.

After three seasons with the Cavs, he is averaging 0.9 threes per game on 33% shooting from downtown. Almost all of his looks are wide-open as teams consistently dare him to shoot. Yet, he hasn’t been able to make them pay.

Okoro’s playing time has decreased every season, and last season he averaged a career-worst 6.4 points per game.

Okoro needs a change of scenery. The Cleveland Cavaliers have high aspirations with their core four of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, and Okoro doesn’t fit into this lineup. Okoro is only 6’5 and doesn’t have the size to play small forward next to this group. And it’s hard for him to get significant minutes as the shooting guard, hindering his potential for improvement.

Okoro is only 22 years old and has the potential to show a lot more than he has so far in his career. He is strong and athletic, and once he figures out his shooting, he could be a solid two-way player. He is certainly worth a flyer and could be gettable for the Wizards in exchange for a more established rotation player.

Home/Wizards Free Agency