Both my dgc learned to give themselves a "time out" when they were little and upset, I assume becuase dd used that method. It can teach self control, as Niobe says, including the concept of taking a breather, "counting to 10," so to speak, etc.
However, I know it doesn't work with all children. I think it's ok to start at 2 (and, imo, 23 months is close enough). But please don't just expect it to work with this gs just because it worked with the others, and don't fall into the trap of thinking this gs is somehow "less lovely" if it doesn't.
Also, generally, I believe in ignoring tantrums, but I wouldn't accept throwing things or knocking them off tables. I can see trying the Naughty Step for that or, yes, getting him to pick the things up. But as a pp (previous poster) said, I would wait till he calms down to have him pick them up. Trying that in the middle of the tantrum is likely to just escalate things.