Josh Okogie’s Journey to Houston: A Reunion with Kevin Durant and a New Chapter with the Rockets
Josh Okogie, the Nigerian-American shooting guard, has embarked on a new chapter in his NBA career, signing a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Houston Rockets. This move marks a reunion with two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant, a former teammate from their shared time with the Phoenix Suns. Okogie’s arrival in Houston has generated excitement among fans, with the 26-year-old hinting at promising times ahead for the Western Conference franchise.
Okogie’s basketball journey began at Georgia Tech, where he showcased his talent before being drafted 20th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2018 NBA Draft. He spent four seasons with the Timberwolves, honing his skills and developing his defensive prowess. In 2022, Okogie joined the Phoenix Suns, where he shared the court with Durant. Although his time with the Suns was relatively short, it set the stage for their reunion in Houston.
In January 2024, Okogie was involved in a trade that sent him and three future second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets. However, his tenure with the Hornets was brief, as he was waived in July 2024. This paved the way for his free agency and subsequent signing with the Rockets.
Throughout his seven seasons in the NBA, Okogie has consistently demonstrated his defensive acumen. His stats reveal an average of 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.93 steals in 19.1 minutes per game. Notably, during the 2024/25 season, he ranked fourth in steals per 36 minutes played among players with at least 40 appearances, further highlighting his defensive impact. His combined stats for the Suns and Hornets in the 2024/25 season show an average of 1.20 steals in 15.6 minutes per game.
Okogie’s basketball journey extends beyond the NBA, representing Nigeria on the international stage. He participated in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China, showcasing his talent and commitment to his national team. In Houston, he will be playing under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, another Nigerian basketball figure.
Okogie’s signing with the Rockets represents a significant step in his career. The reunion with Durant provides an opportunity to further develop his game alongside a seasoned veteran and learn from one of the league’s most accomplished players. The Rockets’ young core, combined with the experience of Durant and Okogie’s defensive abilities, creates an intriguing dynamic with the potential for exciting basketball.
The upcoming season holds great promise for Okogie and the Rockets. The opportunity to play alongside Durant and contribute to a team with playoff aspirations presents a platform for Okogie to further elevate his game. His defensive intensity, coupled with the offensive firepower of Durant and other Rockets players, could make Houston a formidable force in the Western Conference. Fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the combined talents of these players and the impact Okogie will have on the Rockets’ performance. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Houston to see how this new chapter in Okogie’s career unfolds.
