The Cleveland Cavaliers parted ways with Isaac Okoro this summer after five seasons, trading him to the Chicago Bulls. While the Bulls have soared to a strong 5-0 start, Okoro is struggling significantly, finding himself among the least effective players in the NBA this season.
The Cavaliers, expected to contend for a playoff spot, have stumbled out of the gates with a 3-3 record, grappling with injuries. Key players Darius Garland and Max Strus have yet to play this season, and stars Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Sam Merrill have each missed games. This has contributed to a rocky start that has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s trajectory.
In stark contrast, the Bulls have demonstrated a remarkable performance under head coach Billy Donovan, achieving victories over several anticipated playoff teams, including the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and New York Knicks. However, their enthusiasm is tempered by Okoro’s alarming performance as a starter.
Initially brought in as a defensive asset, Okoro has not met expectations. His defense, which was once a strong point, has faltered, and he has been far from impactful on offense. Okoro’s shooting percentage has plummeted to 32.1% from the field and a dismal 23.1% from beyond the arc, averaging just 4.4 points per game despite spending over 22 minutes on the court.
Statistics reveal that he ranks as the fourth-worst player in the league based on Box Plus-Minus metrics. With such underwhelming performance, Okoro’s presence in the starting lineup has raised concerns for the Bulls, who aim for a Top-6 playoff position. Head coach Donovan has already begun to decrease Okoro’s minutes, aware that the team’s aspirations cannot accommodate a player whose offensive contributions are severely lacking.
If Okoro does not turn his game around, he risks losing his spot in the team’s rotation and, potentially, his place in the league entirely. The stakes are high, and as injuries plague the Cavaliers, the Bulls will need to decide quickly how to manage player contributions if they hope to sustain their early season success. For Okoro, this season presents a crucial opportunity to demonstrate his value; the next few weeks will be pivotal for his career.