When Josh Okogie joined the Phoenix Suns last summer, little did he know he was stepping into a basketball adventure. The Suns were rebuilding their roster after a stellar 64-win season, with coach Monty Williams weaving philosophical magic, and a 37-year-old Chris Paul leading the charge.
Okogie, known for his defensive prowess during his four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, was a blank canvas on offense. His stats were as unremarkable as a slice of bread – 6.6 points, 40% field goals, and a humble 29.1% from beyond the arc.
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A Rocky Start in the Valley of the Suns
His initial stint with the Suns in the 2022-23 season was more of a cameo. Averaging a mere 6.2 minutes in the first 21 games, Okogie showcased his defensive brilliance but struggled to hit the mark offensively, shooting a dismal 29% and a meager 7.1% from deep.
Then came the turning point.
In a showdown with the San Antonio Spurs, Okogie’s hustle on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds in 26 minutes, turned heads. The era of “Call Me Non-Stop” had begun, combining hustle, grit, and unexpected effectiveness, despite shooting troubles.
A Diamond in the Rough Emerges
As December unfolded, Okogie’s playing time soared from 6.2 minutes to 19.1 minutes. Injuries hit the Suns, paving the way for Okogie to start 25 of the last 44 games. He transformed, adding offensive flair to his game, averaging 9.7 points with a respectable 36.7% from downtown.
The regular season ended, the playoffs beckoned, and inconsistency followed. Torrey Craig stole the starting spotlight, leaving Okogie grappling with a dip in his offensive confidence.
Offseason Hopes and Current Realities
Despite becoming an unrestricted free agent, Okogie chose to stay with the Suns for a veteran minimum salary. The roster shifted, offensive firepower increased, and a defensive-minded coach took the helm.
Expectations were high for Okogie entering this season, but reality has a funny way of playing tricks. His offensive struggles have forced coach Frank Vogel to tinker with the starting lineup. Okogie’s shooting, especially from beyond the arc, has become a cause for concern. He’s missed crucial shots in the fourth quarter, turning the once-dominant Suns into a team that struggles to score when it matters most.
Rumors, though unverified, suggest LeBron James urged opponents to guard Okogie loosely, implying he can’t make an open shot. Whether said or not, the reality remains – Okogie’s offensive impact is waning, and NBA defenses have taken notice.
The Dilemma and the Disruptor
So, what’s the game plan? Despite his shooting woes and a unique slow-motion wind-up, Okogie brings intangibles to the table. His disruptive playstyle, described as an “eff s*** up” guy, makes winning plays.
Yet, with Keita Bates-Diop proving more consistent on both ends, the Suns face a dilemma. Okogie’s value lies in disruption, not shooting. The question lingers: Can he overcome his offensive struggles and be the disruptor the Suns need?
As the season unfolds, only time will tell if Okogie can silence the doubters and prove that, even without a consistent shot, he’s an essential piece in the Suns’ puzzle.
