Three Cavaliers Who Could Have Breakout Seasons
The Cleveland Cavaliers have their core four who they're relying on to help lead them to a deep playoff run this season. But they'll need some other player to step up along the way if they want that to happen.
These are three contenders who could have breakout seasons with the Cavaliers this year.
Isaac Okoro
I know fans have been waiting for a breakout season from Isaac Okoro for what feels like the past two years. However, this season could really be the one where he figures it all out.
The Cavs have used Okoro as a starter, off the bench, as a shooting guard, and as a small forward through his first three seasons in the NBA. That's a lot of movement for one player trying to adjust to the highest level of basketball.
Oct 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) drives past Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey (41) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Looking ahead to this year, it appears Okoro will be a reserve and spend most of his time with the second unit. Knowing his role and getting consistent playing time there could be the perfect recipe for a big season from Okoro.
Ty Jerome
Cleveland was thin at the backup point guard position last season and addressed that by signing Ty Jerome to a two-year deal in the offseason. I don't think anyone envisioned he'd have this big of a role heading into Opening Night.
J.B. Bickerstaff commented during training camp that it's going to be hard to keep Jerome off the floor with how good he's been playing. He appeared in all four preseason games for the Cavaliers averaging 9.3 points and 5.0 assists in his 17.4 minutes of playing time.
Jerome has never been the primary backup point guard with a team until now but it looks like he's ready for that role and to take his game to the next level.
Dean Wade
Dean Wade's 2022-23 season took a hit with a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the majority of the year and he never looked the same once he returned. Now, Wade is playing without a brace and is showing he can rejuvenate his role with the Cavs.
The forward/big shot 60 percent from the floor and 56 percent from behind the arc in the four preseason games he played in. Bickerstaff has also noticed how much Wade has grown both on the floor and as a person since coming to Cleveland.
Wade could have a big season for the Cavaliers if he can stay healthy and put all of this together.
