Josh Okogie is the latest addition to a Houston Rockets offseason that’s already been defined by its focus on defence.
Okogie agreed to a one-year deal with the Rockets worth $3.1 million. Last season, the 26-year-old Nigerian played for the Phoenix Suns and the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game in 40 appearances.
He joins a team that has already made significant moves this summer. Houston sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix in exchange for Kevin Durant, then bolstered their depth by re-signing Steven Adams, Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr., as well as adding Dorian Finney-Smith from the Lakers and bringing back Clint Capela.
The Rockets are coming off a strong season defensively too, finishing eighth in defensive rating last year and holding opponents under 110 points per game.
With Okogie now in the mix, the front office has added even more strength to an area that was already becoming a clear identity for this group under Ime Udoka.
Josh Okogie’s arrival gives Houston even more strength on the perimeter. Last season, he averaged 1.2 steals per game and ranked fourth in steals per 36 minutes among players who appeared in at least 40 games.
The Rockets finished among the league’s top defensive units last season, establishing their identity through perimeter pressure and interior protection. Okogie’s addition reinforces that philosophy while providing depth behind established rotation players.
Free agent forward Josh Okogie has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Okogie enters his 8th NBA season and gives the Rockets another active wing defender who has averaged 6.3 points over 416 games. pic.twitter.com/RazV3afZq1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 22, 2025
His ability to defend multiple positions gives coach Ime Udoka even more flexibility with lineups.
Some fans praised the team’s decision to stay focused on defence. One supporter commented: “Best defence in the NBA,” clearly happy with the direction Houston has taken.
Another fan added, “They’re so well equipped to win in this modern NBA,” pointing out how valuable a strong defensive identity can be in today’s league.
They’re so well equipped to win in this modern NBA … multiple wing defenders, ability to play big or small, pick and roll game with FVV/Senguin, No. 1 option in KD … Game on
— Harrison Sanford (@HarrisonSanford) July 22, 2025
But not everyone is convinced that defence alone will be enough. Questions have been raised about whether Houston has enough scoring depth beyond Durant, and if the roster is too heavily weighted towards perimeter defenders.
Others echoed this view, with one fan saying: “How many defensive wings can one team board?” questioning whether free agency had been used to fill other gaps in the squad.
Kevin Durant will be carrying much of the scoring load under Houston’s defence-first approach – something fans have started noticing already on social media.
This sentiment was echoed by another account: “KD gonna have to average 30 again to carry this offense,” which points out how heavy that expectation is for someone later on in their career like Durant is now.
How much defense do they NEED, kd gonna have to average 30 again to carry this offense
— fellowraptor (@FruityLemons14) July 22, 2025
The Rockets’ strategy appears centered on protecting Durant through elite defence while expecting him to provide primary offensive production – though there are plenty of questions around whether that’s enough for a deep run next season.
Houston’s offseason changes have them firmly in the mix for next season. They’ve built a foundation around veteran experience, defensive strength, and Durant’s scoring that should translate into playoff potential.
Amen Thompson is expected to bring a new layer to Houston’s offensive game as he progresses alongside the team’s seasoned core.
His evolution could prove vital in helping the Rockets complement their already imposing defence with the kind of scoring punch needed to mount a legitimate playoff push.
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