This was one of the questions of this first preseason match for the Suns. Who was going to recover the fifth starting place alongside the infernal trio (Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal) and Jusuf Nurkic, who replaces Deandre Ayton? Answer, for tonight’s match against the Pistons? Josh Okogie.
Ahead of this meeting, won away and after extra time (126-130), Frank Vogel put forward several reasons to justify this choice. Her ” familiarity » with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker first. The former Wolves player is one of the very few players who was already in the squad before the massive reshuffle this offseason.
Above all, he finished the regular season with starting status, the same in the second part of his playoff campaign. Also, the defensive versatility of the 25-year-old played in his favor.
“ He can defend on playmakers, the opposition’s main ball handlers while being able to respond to strong wingers “, defended the new Suns coach, who says he appreciates the game from behind as a whole.
Okogie wants to surf his dynamic
Against the Pistons, while the three members of the “Big Three” finished with at least 11 points, Josh Okogie signed 4 points (2/3), 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 12 minutes. During his passage in front of the press a few days ago, he explained that he would rely on the decision of his coaches, as to whether he would return to the Suns’ five or not. Being well aware that his good end to the year could work in his favor.
“ It was probably one of my favorite seasons. From my injury at training camp to finding my way, playing, not playing, playing… until finding an advantageous place […]. I’m kind of trying to ride that momentum and pick up where I left off », explained the 20th choice of the 2018 Draft, who will have to increase his skill levels (only 39% including 33.5% last season) if he wants to establish himself permanently in the Phoenix five.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
