Isaac Okoro is ‘progressing well’ with shoulder injury
Kenny Atkinson provides an update on Okoro’s injury.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro hasn’t played since Cleveland’s win over the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 16. He suffered an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. The team’s press release on Dec. 19 stated that he would be re-evaluated in two weeks which would’ve put the re-evaluation taking place on Jan 2.
We haven’t received word on any re-evaluation, but head coach Kenny Atkinson did provide an update on Okoro.
“He’s doing contact today,” said Atkinson before Sunday’s matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. “I know he’s done coaches contact, but I think we’re getting live contact today. So we’ll get more feedback from that, but progressing well, otherwise, no setbacks.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Okoro regains his starting role when he does return. The Cavs have kept winning with Dean Wade in his place, but they’ve been doing that this season no matter who’s in the lineup. Cleveland is 14-2 with Okoro as a starter and 15-1 with Wade.
Atkinson said whether or not Okoro will regain his starting spot “will be determined.”
“These are good problems to have,” Atkinson said. “I think it’ll work itself out. It usually does, but we’ve made no decisions there on what that’s going to look like whenever everybody’s healthy.”
Okoro is averaging 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 rebounds per game. He’s doing this while achieving career-high percentages from the field (49.5%) and from three (49.2%).