Don't Overlook Josh Okogie When Projecting Success of Jazz

Josh Okogie was one of the most underrated offseason acquisitions for the Utah Jazz, and it's a move that still isn't being talked about enough.

To some degree, that makes sense. Okogie has been a role player throughout his NBA career, and Utah has certainly made much bigger splashes over the last calendar year while getting this roster ready to compete in the 2026-27 season.

But Okogie could have a significant role on this team, primarily as a defensive-minded, battle-tested veteran who brings experience to a relatively young roster.

As good as the Jazz are expected to be this season, there's still plenty of youth and inexperience on this team. It's also a group that has significant defensive upside, but all the pieces will need to come together for Utah to reach its potential on that end of the floor.

Of course, Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the best defenders in the entire NBA, while rookie Darryn Peterson has defensive upside in the backcourt. And while the rest of Utah's core pieces may not be phenomenal individual defenders, the size across the roster provides versatility and flexibility defensively.

That's where Okogie comes into the picture.

The 28-year-old has the potential to be the glue that holds this group together defensively. He's physical, he's experienced, and he's the type of player who can get the most out of the players around him.

Okogie is also a communicator who can help Utah's younger players both on and off the court. Whether it's through film study and practice or simply helping teammates get into the right spots defensively during games, his presence could go a long way toward helping this group maximize its potential.

And while defense is his calling card, Okogie isn't necessarily a liability offensively, either.

Last season with the Houston Rockets, he shot a career-best 38.5% from beyond the arc across 78 appearances. If he can maintain that level of efficiency, he'll provide Utah with a legitimate two-way rotation piece who can space the floor without needing the ball in his hands.

Ultimately, Okogie wasn't the flashiest acquisition of the offseason, and his signing didn't generate nearly as much publicity as some of Utah's other moves.

But when factoring in his defensive ability, experience and improved perimeter shooting, it's easy to see why he could become an important piece of this rotation.

Even with a fully healthy roster on opening night, don't be surprised to see Okogie getting minutes that actually matter. And as the season progresses, expect that trend to continue.