With the Atlanta Hawks needing to improve their perimeter defense, lead guard Dejounte Murray has been cast as their most likely trade candidate ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline. However, there’s always the chance the Hawks make a trade that doesn’t involve Murray, opting for a small and shrewd move rather than a blockbuster transaction.
In that event, a player such as Cleveland Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro could find themselves in a Hawks uniform by next week.
Isaac Okoro to the Hawks?
According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, the Atlanta Hawks are among several franchises with interest in Cleveland Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro.
Okoro, an Atlanta native, was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Although his production hasn’t lived up to his draft position, Okoro has long been considered an upper-echelon perimeter defender.
What Isaac Okoro brings to the Hawks
Isaac Okoro’s strength, athleticism, reflexes, and aggressiveness make it difficult for many to score on him on-ball. In fact, Okoro holds opponents to a notable 0.95 points per possession in isolation.
More importantly for the Atlanta Hawks, given the defensive assignments he’ll draw, he’s even better in the pick-and-roll. Elite at getting through screens, Okoro is holding pick-and-roll ball handlers to 0.71 points per possession.
Furthermore, his opponents shoot just 32.9 percent from the field when he’s guarding the pick-and-roll. Lastly, he creates turnovers on 13.6 percent of the possessions that he’s guarding a pick-and-roll ball handler.
Yet, what makes Okoro an even more viable piece for the Hawks is his growth as a 3-point threat. Now in his fourth season, Okoro is shooting a career-high 37.2 percent from 3. He’s shot 36.6 percent from 3 over the past two seasons, inspiring confidence in the sustainability of his efficiency.
Over the past two seasons, 78.1 percent of his 3-point attempts have come from the corner, where he’s shooting 38.2 percent. Interestingly, he has only taken 3s classified as ‘open’ or ‘wide open’ in that stretch. Nonetheless, his ability to convert those shots is important for the efficacy of an offense.
Of course, Okoro’s best work offensively comes in transition, where his athleticism and body control shine on his finishes. In fact, Okoro scores 1.27 points per possession in transition on 67.7 percent shooting.
Okoro also uses those physical traits to make plays in the halfcourt, scoring 1.42 points per possession on cuts on 71.4 percent shooting from the field.
What’s the Price?
Acquiring Isaac Okoro could cost the Atlanta Hawks as little as a prospect such as AJ Griffin and light draft compensation. In the final year of his rookie contract, the Cleveland Cavaliers may hope to avoid contract negotiations with his representation.
