Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft: Tyrese Maxey rises, Sixers target another guard

Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft — 5. Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland should be similarly pleased with its investment. I was not huge on Isaac Okoro out of Auburn, but he proved what he needed to prove last season. He has been similarly strong in Summer League, flashing real upside as a secondary ball-handler and playmaker. The instincts and two-way potential that got him drafted are undisputed.

Okoro could be the best defender from this draft, bar none. He’s approaching elite territory as a guard/wing stopper already. His effort, awareness, and athleticism all shine on that side of the ball, and he will be integral to Cleveland’s efforts to establish an identity on that side of the ball. With Jarrett Allen and now Evan Mobley alongside him, Okoro could help push Cleveland out of the league’s cellar defensively.

Offense is a bit less polished for Okoro, but he remains a fascinating talent. He can pass on the move, and has the ball-handling chops to dribble around screens, get downhill, and create some advantages on the perimeter. The main issue is his 3-point shot. He hit 29 percent of his 3s last season — a number that will need to improve to unlock his full repertoire.