The Charlotte Hornets haven’t been the most active team in the offseason. But with their decision to waive Josh Okogie, the Hornets have created an opportunity for powerhouse teams to add a gifted wing defender to their ranks.
Okogie is viewed as one of the finest available wing defenders in free agency. As an unrestricted free agent, several teams may look to acquire him to bolster their roster depth by adding a capable point of attack defender.
Last season, the 26-year-old notched an average of 7.1 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 44.3% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range. His length and athleticism make him a viable prospect, and on a veteran minimum contract, he is bound to garner a lot of interest from teams.
Given the league-wide demand for wing players, Okogie is likely to sign with a team before the start of the season. When considering this, we explore four potential landing spots for the guard, including two powerhouses in the Western Conference.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most successful teams this offseason. When considering the moves they have made, with the acquisition of Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, and now Jonas Valanciunas, the Nuggets are a formidable team.
The addition of Josh Okogie would do wonders for their overall wing depth. Considering that the Nuggets are likely to see Brown lead the defensive charge from the bench, Okogie would be valuable insurance and backup to have.
It is also likely that the guard could be a replacement for their newly acquired forward Cam Johnson, primarily due to his length. His ability to guard multiple positions could also earn him more playing time in this situation.
Denver will be viewed as title contenders next season, even in a stacked Western Conference. Given how grueling the team’s schedule will be by virtue of their place in the West, the Nuggets will look to have enough roster depth to prevent injuries to their key rotation players.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off an impressive postseason run. While their loss in the Western Conference Finals will spur their title aspirations for next season, the Wolves could be facing the risk of regressing next season.
Unlike many teams, Minnesota appear unlikely to make major roster changes this offseason. Having re-signed Naz Reid and Julius Randle, the Wolves have solidified their frontcourt. But this puts them in a tricky position with their wings.
With a key rotation player in Nickeil Alexander-Walker headed over to the Atlanta Hawks, the Wolves have taken a hit to their wing depth. To make up for this loss, they could look at picking up Josh Okogie on a cap-friendly deal.
It is of added interest that Okogie has played with the Timberwolves before. Although he was never an offensive threat, he made a name for himself as a defensive stopper with the team. Having started his NBA career in Minnesota, the 26-year-old had some of his most productive years with the Wolves.
Led by Anthony Edwards, Minnesota is expected to be a powerhouse in the West next season. With the addition of Okogie, who would likely take over the duties of Jaden McDaniels off the bench, the Wolves could look to boost their defensive strength.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been very active in the free agency market, acquiring Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton to address pressing roster issues. But with the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith, the Purple and Gold need to find a solid replacement to improve their wing depth.
Since solidifying their big man rotation, the Lakers have been in pursuit of a solid wing. With several names emerging as potential targets, the Lakers initially showed a growing interest in trading for Andrew Wiggins. Unfortunately, due to the high asking price, the Lakers have withdrawn from further negotiations.
This has been detrimental to their roster construction efforts, forcing them to shift their attention to the free agency market again. With Okogie becoming a newly available player on the market, the Purple and Gold would do well to sign him on a team-friendly deal.
A player of Okogie’s skill set would be immensely valuable to the Lakers. While players like LaRavia solidify the frontcourt, the 26-year-old would seamlessly fit into the backcourt rotation, acting as a solid defensive backup for Austin Reaves.
While the Purple and Gold may still favor Jordan Goodwin, who gave them good minutes last season, Okogie offers more from a defensive and perimeter shooting perspective.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have been the quietest team in the league this offseason. On the verge of seeing key rotational players leave, the Warriors have made no efforts to make up for these losses.
While the Warriors’ entire roster features significant shortfalls in each position, their backcourt and wing depth need to be addressed right away. With the likes of Gary Payton II becoming an unrestricted free agent and Jonathan Kuminga demanding a trade, the Dubs need to add more defensive-minded players to strengthen their team.
With this in mind, the Dubs have been linked to players such as De’Anthony Melton, who they are expected to sign shortly. In addition to this, the Warriors could also look to add more flexibility in their defensive rotation by signing Josh Okogie out of free agency.
Okogie’s style of play closely resembles Payton’s, especially as a point of attack defender. When considering that the 26-year-old is also capable of relocating and shooting three-pointers in catch-and-shoot situations, the Warriors may benefit from acquiring a player like him.
The Warriors have aspirations of being title contenders. As constructed, they are far from being considered a threat. But with the right additions, the Dubs would certainly demand more attention from other teams.
Josh Okogie Will Have A Future In The League
A player like Josh Okogie will always find himself garnering interest from teams in the NBA. With his ability to contribute on the defensive end, teams looking to add depth to their roster and contend for the title will always have use for a player like him.
Given the current landscape of the league, Okogie should have some options available to him with regard to who he wishes to sign with. His choice will also have an impact on the minutes he gets.
With several free agents also vying for a roster spot, the guard would do well to make a decision that benefits his career and aligns with his priorities.
