First off, this is only the 2nd ‘Wake up’ post i’ve made in 12 years of posting here, the first was Darius at the beginning of his 2nd year, I reserve this wording for a player taking a leap in development that largely isn’t being recognized
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The national media won’t say it, but we should know…
## **Ice is the best perimeter defender in the league**
The recent resume
* Damian Lillard, 26.5% shooting in four games played
* Trae Young, 50.0% shooting in three games played
* Paolo Banchero, 25.0% shooting in three games played
* Jaylen Brown, 12.5% shooting in two games played
* James Harden, 20.0% shooting in one game played
* Paul George, 20.0% shooting in one game played
* Devin Vassell, 37.5% shooting in one game played
That accounts for almost 1/5th of the season, I count 4 Hall of Famers in that list, this isn’t a fluke
[Mitchell already knows](https://twitter.com/IsaacOkoroFan/status/1752169539255640327) and is campaigning for his guy
Ice is on a direct path to the all-defensive team, he’s been special in this stretch let’s enjoy and acknowledge it.
## **How does he do it?**
Strength of a PF with the hips of a 2 guard, he mirrors defenders really well allowing him to take away their air space to get a quick pull up off (Dame’s bread and butter for example)
His strength allows him to absorb contact when players drive on him and push them off their line to the lane, turning a layup into a fade away
He’s not playing overly aggressive, he’s under control, **never averaged more than 2 fouls per game**
This isn’t that new, Okoro has had games where he’s bothered all-nba smaller guards dating back to his rookie year ([one example](https://www.reddit.com/r/clevelandcavs/comments/qrmvpz/shout_out_to_okoro_bradley_beal_held_to_season/), specifically holding a league leading Beal to his worst night of his season shooting 21%), it’s that he’s now consistently doing it.
## **What else can we expect moving forward**
Here’s my [pre-draft scouting report on Ice](https://www.reddit.com/r/clevelandcavs/comments/jx9b1p/isaac_okoro_deep_dive/), if you want some insight into his game (186 upvotes, worth your time)
While this offseason is about re-signing Donovan, ICE will be on our list of players to pay too (RFA this offseason, we’ll match anything thrown at him)
He’s going to continue to close out games, his on-ball defense is just that valuable…what our closing lineup looks like it going to be interesting
the player he currently **most reminds me of is GS era Andre Iguodala** (which was one of his ceiling comps in my draft preview)
by Abiv23
13 Comments
I have one thing to say to the national media right now.
I’m so happy Okoro is finally putting it all together and getting love around here. Been a big fan of his since before we even drafted him
Great dude and now becoming a great player
Besides Dame, PG, and Harden, who’s the other hall of famer on that list? I don’t think Trae or JB are hall of famers yet. But Okoro and Wade should be all defense if they keep playing at that level.
Chemistrybonanza bout to come in here and tell you why Okoro is the worst NBA player in the league right now.
Bad take. It’s either evan mobley or dean wade.
Finally some love for him!
Hes great, just some nights the shot looks off coming out of his hands and he will miss every jumpshot.
It has been happening less and less though which is very promising
To me perimeter defense just isn’t as big of a deal as it’s made out to be. I’m happy for Okoro and his ability to switch onto anyone but at the end of the day people will start to make shots. It’s inevitable.
I’d rather have someone out there more consistent on the offensive end. If his shot really starts to fall on a consistent basis I’ll be ecstatic. Otherwise, I feel like he’s a role that can be replaced pretty easily at a cheap price.
Lol homer board strikes again
Think the Cavs resigning him depends a lot on what else happens with the team. It still seems like his best position is at shooting guard and there are a bunch of players ahead of him there who can provide 80-90% of what he does on D, while being more useful offensive players.
If I’m the Hornets and have cap space this offseason, I’d absolutely offer him $20+ million for 3 years to start between Ball and Miller. I don’t see the Cavs matching that unless there are major changes on the guard line.
I love ICE, if he was on a bad team I think he’s at least a 15PPG guy. He’s great at slashing and finishing at the rim, fantastic in transition, his 3 is coming along well (though still not great), and his defense is ELITE.