6 Forwards that the Sacramento Kings can still sign in free agency
By Mat Issa
Isaac Okoro
I've written extensively about why defense-first wings/forwards like Isaac Okoro don't do well in high-minute roles in the playoffs because of their lack of spacing, drive game, and secondary rim protection. If you are familiar with that, you are probably thinking: why does he think the Kings should sign him then?
Read what I said carefully. Okoro isn't suited for a starting/prominent bench role in the playoffs (at least until he improves two of those three categories we mentioned above). But considering he's still available at this point in free agency, he likely won't be receiving that kind of money.
Okoro is smaller than most of the guys we've mentioned (he's 6'6 and doesn't necessarily play bigger than his stature). However, he's young (23), and he's one of the better perimeter defenders in the association (85th percentile in DEF EPM last season). On top of that, while Okoro's 3-point volume is still low (35th percentile in 3-point attempts per 75), he did improve his efficiency (he went from a 36.3% 3-point shooter in 2022-23 to a 39.1% shooter last year).
Even if he doesn't start launching threes at a higher rate, Okoro is a nice bench wing to have on a playoff roster (at the right cost). The only major obstacle is that he's a restricted free agent. So, the Cleveland Cavaliers can match any offer that is made to him. This could end up driving up the price of his contract in a way that makes acquiring him no longer enticing.