It was announced today that the Houston Rockets signed forward Josh Okogie to a one-year, $3.1 million deal.
Rockets sign forward Josh Okogie to one-year deal
The Rockets add another wing defender to the mix.
The 26-year-old Okogie is a capable veteran defensive wing that adds to Houston’s already impressive wing depth. The 6’4” Okogie can also moonlight as a shooting guard in true swingman fashion, however, he’s not known as a scorer, averaging just 6.3 points per game for his career on 40.6 percent shooting from the field and 29.9 percent from beyond the arc.
He also sports other small career averages of 3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1 steal and .5 blocks per game, but perhaps most noticeably, he’s had a positive defensive box plus-minus every year of his career. He’s also had a fair amount of injury history, which is something else to keep an eye on.
This is a fine signing by the Rockets, as Okogie gives Houston immense defensive flexibilty in guarding the absolute hellscape of Western Conference scoring and playmaking talent the Rockets will be facing this year. However, it does nothing to address Houston’s biggest need for an additional scorer or shooter. Okogie is neither.
Don’t get me wrong, you can never have too many wing defenders, so I’m not opposed to this move, it just feels a little like a luxury signing when there’s such a glaring need. It appears the Rockets have a ton of faith in Reed Sheppard. I know the fanbase is a little less certain overall.
I definitely believe Reed can be that guy. Whether or not he’s ready for it right now remains to be seen, but it appears GM Rafael Stone has the confidence in him. But for the good of the Rockets, he needs to be ready. What happens when Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet are both out? You can pencil in both of those guys for 20-25 missed games. Some will happen simultaneously. Who playmakes and scores from the perimeter on those occasions if not Sheppard?
Anyway, however, it’s ultimately a low-risk move that brings another defender into the mix. And that’s a good thing. But it’s strengthening an already strength, and not addressing an obvious need.
Welcome to Houston, Josh!
