Okoro suffered an AC joint sprain against the Brooklyn Nets
Cleveland Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro will be re-evaluated in two weeks after being diagnosed with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder according to an official team statement. Okoro suffered the injury in the third quarter of the team’s 130-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 19, 2024
An important distinction is that Okoro will be re-evaluated in two weeks, not return to action in that time frame. As Cavs fans will know, that timeline is often extended (see: Max Strus). Two weeks would put a re-evaluation in early January, coinciding with a tough stretch of games that has Cleveland playing Oklahoma City twice, Indiana twice, Minnesota, Phoenix, and Houston twice.
Okoro is having a strong season in his fifth year in the league, shooting 49.5% from the field and 49.2% from deep - both career-highs. His resolute perimeter defense remains his best asset, but the ability (or inability) to hit shots is what Cavs fans have taken umbrage with. This season he has excelled on both sides of the ball, which makes the injury that much more discouraging. While Strus is a good shooter, he is not the defender that Okoro is.
The injury to Okoro comes at a time when the Cavs were finally approaching full health. Strus is on the brink of returning to the court after injuring his ankle at the end of training camp and Dean Wade is finally back from an ankle injury of his own. Georges Niang will continue to see some minutes, as could Jaylon Tyson. The rookie is the most akin to Okoro with his defensive instincts and shot-making ability (or inability, again). Caris LeVert can also play some wing as well, and he has been excellent this season.
As the Cavs have done all season, they will have to weather an injury to the wing. But they are well-equipped to handle it.
