The Shocking Truth About Josh Okogie’s Impact in 2023!
When Josh Okogie joined the Phoenix Suns last summer, the team’s dynamics were vastly different. They were in the process of reinforcing a roster that had achieved 64 wins the previous season. Monty Williams was eloquently expressing philosophical ideas, the team’s second-best player was the 37-year-old Chris Paul, and there was a need for a defensive-minded player to complement the coaching staff’s offensive strategy.
Having spent his first four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a defensive specialist, Josh Okogie’s offensive contributions were limited. He averaged 6.6 points in 20.1 minutes, shooting 40% from the field and 29.1% from beyond the arc.
Josh
In his initial season with the Suns in 2022-23, Josh Okogie faced limited opportunities, averaging only 6.2 minutes in the first 21 games. While showcasing strong defensive skills with a team-leading defensive rating of 90.0, his offensive performance was subpar, shooting 29% overall and 7.1% from three-point range.
However, his fortunes changed during a decisive victory against the Josh San Antonio Spurs, where Okogie’s hustle on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds, caught the coaching staff’s attention. As the season progressed, his playing time increased from 6.2 to 19.1 minutes per game in December. Injuries to key players further opened doors for Josh Okogie, and he started 25 of the Suns’ final 44 games.
During this period, Josh Okogie transformed his game, adding offensive dimensions. He averaged 9.7 points, and his three-point shooting percentage improved to 36.7%. Heading into the postseason, though, Josh Okogie faced inconsistency in both playing time and production.
As an unrestricted free agent, Josh Okogie re-signed with the Suns in the offseason for a veteran minimum salary. The team underwent changes, acquiring more offensively talented players, and hired a coach to maximize Josh Okogie’s defensive prowess.
However, the hope that Josh Okogie’s postseason struggles were an anomaly has turned into concern. His offensive struggles have led to experimentation with the starting lineup, causing anxiety among fans. Despite his defensive skills, Okogie’s shooting has been worrisome, making only 4 of 23 three-point attempts (17.4%), with 18 of those attempts classified as “wide open.”
In critical moments, especially in the fourth quarter, Okogie’s shooting percentage drops to 16.7%, raising concerns about his offensive impact. Rumors suggest that even LeBron James has noticed, advising opponents to prioritize guarding other players when Okogie is on the floor.
Despite his shooting struggles, there is acknowledgment of Okogie’s value due to intangibles and past performances. Frank Vogel, the head coach, faces the dilemma of balancing Okogie’s contributions with his shooting deficiencies. The Suns’ depth this season may limit Okogie’s opportunities compared to the previous year.
While Keita Bates-Diop has proven to be a more consistent player on both ends, Okogie’s disruptive and winning plays make him valuable, as long as the team doesn’t rely heavily on his shooting.Josh The hope remains that Okogie can overcome his shooting challenges and contribute positively to the team’s success.
