Veteran wing defender Josh Okogie found a new team quickly after being waived by the Charlotte Hornets. On Tuesday morning, the Houston Rockets announced they signed Okogie to a one-year contract worth $3.1 million, marking a fresh start for the player as he enters his eighth NBA season.
Okogie had been part of the Hornets’ roster but was released due to roster constraints and the team‘s strategic changes led by President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson. The signing provides the Rockets with an energetic defender who contributed 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game last season, while shooting 44.3% from the field in about 16 minutes per game.
Charlotte’s roster reshuffle leaves Okogie expendable amid new talent arrivals
The Hornets’ offseason has been marked by aggressive acquisitions and roster adjustments, making spots especially limited on the wing. Charlotte added notable additions like Colin Sexton and Pat Connaughton, alongside draft pick Liam McNeeley, creating a crowded depth chart that pushed Okogie out.
Although Okogie brought dependability on defense and relentless energy, his inconsistent offensive output did not align with the Hornets’ evolving focus. Under Peterson’s direction, the team emphasizes floor spacing and offensive versatility, signaling a clearer shift away from a primarily defense-oriented role toward a more balanced attack across positions.
Okogie’s departure reflects Hornets’ strategic shift rather than a reflection on effort
Okogie’s release was never about his commitment or locker room presence but rather about the fit within the Hornets’ system transformation. His skill set, while valuable, did not completely match the team‘s new identity built around pace and scoring firepower. This transition represents a significant recalibration of the roster aiming to increase offensive productivity.
The Hornets are placing their bet on this new core, hoping the gamble will drive success in upcoming seasons. Should the plan falter, Oklahoma’s departure might be reconsidered as the lost grit and defensive intensity he consistently provided.
What lies ahead for Josh Okogie and the Hornets’ evolving roster
Josh Okogie’s move to the Houston Rockets offers him a vital chance to reinvigorate his career with a Western Conference contender. The Rockets gain a versatile defender who can inject energy and toughness alongside their developing roster, which may help strengthen their wing defense and depth.
Meanwhile, the Hornets, under Jeff Peterson’s direction, continue to build a revamped lineup targeting offensive balance and flexibility. The ongoing changes in Charlotte highlight the evolving nature of team-building strategies across the NBA, where defensive specialists sometimes have to adapt or move on as clubs prioritize scoring and spacing.