Josh Okogie should be an important piece for Utah.
Josh Okogie has made an impact nearly everywhere he’s played at the NBA level, but it seems like he’s perpetually under-discussed.
That was especially true during his lone season with the Houston Rockets. Okogie entered the year looking like someone who could potentially be an end-of-bench piece and ended up becoming an important part of Houston’s rotation. He appeared in 78 games and started 32 of them, proving he could be trusted in a significant role on a good team.
Okogie has always been known for his defense, but he also took a significant step forward offensively last season. He shot a career-best 38.5% from beyond the arc on 2.1 attempts per game, giving Houston exactly what teams are looking for from a three-and-D role player.
Now, the Utah Jazz are hoping he can provide the same thing.
At 6-foot-4, Okogie isn’t necessarily a big wing, but his physical build allows him to play much bigger than his listed height. He’s capable of defending several positions, taking on difficult perimeter assignments and bringing a level of physicality that Utah could really use.
That’s especially important for a Jazz team that already has a clear offensive identity but is looking to establish a reputation on the defensive end as well. Okogie should play a significant part in that, alongside Josh Green, who Utah more recently acquired on the trade market.
When the Jazz signed Okogie this offseason, it was easy to view it as nothing more than a depth move. But his time in Houston showed why he could be much more than that.
Even among the other capable wing defenders on Utah’s roster, Okogie brings a different style. He’s physical, disruptive and comfortable taking on difficult assignments. If the improved three-point shooting carries over, he becomes the exact type of role player that becomes even more valuable when games matter most.
Okogie won’t be one of the biggest names on this Jazz roster, and he probably won’t put up huge numbers. But as Utah looks to take a significant step forward this season, he could quietly become one of the team’s most important complementary pieces.
