The Houston Rockets have added veteran guard Josh Okogie to their roster by signing him to a one-year contract worth $3.1 million, as confirmed on Tuesday. This signing aims to bolster the Rockets’ backcourt with Okogie’s defensive skills and NBA experience.

Josh Okogie’s NBA Journey and Performance Highlights

Okogie, who is 26 years old, was selected 20th overall in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He spent four seasons with Minnesota before moving to the Phoenix Suns in 2022. During the current season, he was traded from Phoenix to the Charlotte Hornets on January 15, 2025.

Across 416 career games, the Lagos, Nigeria-born player has averaged 6.3 points along with 3.0 rebounds per game. His recent performance with both the Suns and Hornets marked career highs, including a 44.3 percent field goal rate and making 34.8 percent of his three-point attempts.

Defensive Strength and International Experience

Okogie is well-recognized for his defensive capabilities, ranking fourth in the NBA for steals per 36 minutes with a rate of 2.8 during the 2024-25 season. Alongside his NBA career, he has represented Nigeria at the international level, having played in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

What This Signing Means for the Rockets’ Future

The addition of Josh Okogie to the Houston Rockets represents a strategic move aimed at strengthening their defensive perimeter and adding veteran depth. His proven ability to contribute on both ends of the floor is expected to support the Rockets as they continue to develop their roster for the upcoming season.