3 Cavs role players who need to step up before the NBA Playoffs

Cleveland Cavalier Isaac Okoro interviews teammate Ricky Rubio during media day on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.Akr 9 26 Cavs 8
Cleveland Cavalier Isaac Okoro interviews teammate Ricky Rubio during media day on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.Akr 9 26 Cavs 8 /
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Feb 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) looks to pass against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) looks to pass against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Isaac Okoro

Okoro is the other wing option for the Cavs and his offensive struggles are pretty well known at this point. His 3-point shooting has improved but he’s a 32.2 percent career shooter from beyond the arc and opponents are happy to give him plenty of space.

It’s a bonus when shots like this one go in, but all the space and apathy he’s given by the defense are symptomatic of some serious dysfunction in the Cavs’ offense.

Okoro is a good passer and can make plays when he’s given an opportunity to attack a closeout or drive against a scattered defense in semi-transition. The problem is he rarely gets that chance because teams don’t close out hard on him and you can see how all of those things can send his confidence spiraling.

Okoro is the wing most equipped to deal with elite perimeter creators on defense and the Cavs will really need him on players like Jalen Brunson, R.J. Barrett, James Harden, Jrue Holiday and Jalen Brown. If he can make some outside shots down the stretch and build some confidence heading into the playoffs it could make it a lot easier for the Cavs to really keep him on the floor.

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