Isaac Nnamdi Okoro is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA.
He played college basketball at Auburn, where he was recognized for his defensive skills and athleticism.
Selected fifth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro has become a key defensive player for the Cavaliers.
He recently signed a three-year, $38 million contract extension, reflecting his importance to the team’s core as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Siblings
Isaac has three siblings, namely Michael, Rachel, and Ashley.
Growing up, he often wrestled with his older sister Ashley, who sometimes defeated him, which contributed to his developing confidence in sports.
His parents, Godwin and Gloria Okoro, immigrated from Nigeria to the U.S. in the 1980s.
College career
Okoro played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers during the 2019-2020 season, where he quickly established himself as a significant contributor.
Known for his defensive prowess and athleticism, he averaged 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game in his freshman year.
His performance earned him recognition as one of the top players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), culminating in a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team.
Okoro’s ability to score and defend made him a versatile asset for Auburn, which finished the season with an impressive record of 25-6.
Although the NCAA tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Okoro’s strong season solidified his status as a top prospect for the NBA Draft.
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NBA career
In the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro was selected fifth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, reflecting his potential as both a scorer and a defender.
During his rookie season (2020-2021), he played in 67 games, starting in 55 of them.
He averaged 9.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, quickly establishing himself as one of the Cavaliers’ best perimeter defenders.
His defensive skills were particularly valuable, as he was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best scorer.
As Okoro progressed through his early NBA years, he focused on improving his offensive game, including enhancing his shooting efficiency from beyond the arc.
His increased responsibility within the team allowed him to contribute not only defensively but also as a reliable scorer.
By the 2023 season, he was averaging around 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with noticeable improvements in his three-point shooting percentage.
In October 2024, Okoro signed a three-year contract extension worth approximately $38 million, underscoring his importance to the Cavaliers’ future plans as they build a competitive roster around young talents.
His combination of defensive tenacity and emerging offensive capabilities has made him a fan favorite in Cleveland.
Accolades
Okoro has received several accolades throughout his basketball career, both in college and the NBA.
During his freshman season at Auburn, he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, recognized for his standout performance.
He also earned Second-Team All-SEC honors and was selected for the SEC All-Defensive Team, showcasing his defensive skills and versatility on the court.
In the NBA, while Okoro has not yet been named an All-Star, his defensive capabilities have positioned him as a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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