Cavaliers Rookie Spotlight

The status report you’ve been waiting for. Let’s get right into it. Here is this week’s Cavaliers rookie spotlight.

Dylan Windler

Yet again, there are no new updates on Dylan Windler. It is all but written in stone that his rookie campaign has reached its end. It stinks because he had his moments earlier on, but two uneventful years to open his career is a very bad look.

If Windler can’t stay healthy for the first part of next season, he may wind up playing overseas sooner than later. The Cavs can’t wait forever.

Lamar Stevens

After scoring 8:36 of playing time in the first half against the Wizards on Sunday, Lamar Stevens did not touch the court on Monday. He hadn’t really been in the rotation for the prior few games, and injuries allowed him to slide into the rotation. Larry Nance Jr. is out for the year, and Kevin Love’s recent displays might give him a shot at real playing time.

Unfortunately, he’s currently dealing with a concussion. When he gets well, assuming it isn’t too serious, Lamar should get a lot of opportunities at some run on the floor. He’s earned it and even recently signed a guaranteed NBA contract.

Brodric Thomas

For the first time in more than a month, Brodric Thomas saw meaningful minutes in both halves of a game. He had some good moments against the Raptors, knocking down three triples and coming away with a steal in 16 minutes on the court. Thomas logged five first-half minutes against the Wizards the prior evening but failed to make an impact.

He’s a player that has some upside but may never get enough time on the floor to actually show it. He came up from Division-II Truman State, so he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder to prove he belongs.

His athletic ability and the fact that he is capable of getting hot should allow him the chance to remain in the NBA and out of the G-League for at least another year, whether in Cleveland or somewhere else.

Isaac Okoro

Even though he shot just 1-8 from three against the Raptors on Monday night, Isaac Okoro did something he had never done in the NBA. He topped the 20-point plateau. Even though it came mostly on lay-ups and attempt right at the cup, it’s great to see. It means that he’s capable of this.

Okoro has been the Cavs' best defender all year long, so when he can contribute on the other end, it’s a significant bonus. He’s somebody that can fill it up for you if he can have opportunities to take it to the rim. He’s improved his foul shooting as the year has gone on while also proving he can finish through contact.

Okoro has also shown prowess with a solid euro-step. He’s a cornerstone for a Cavs team that hopes to climb into the playoff conversation for the 2021-22 season.