Is There A Way For Okogie To Make it Work In Minnesota? – Zone Coverage

Josh Okogie went from the beginning 5 early within the 2021-22 season to one of many final guys off Chris Finch’s bench after about 41 video games. What occurred to trigger such a drastic fall off? Was it his lack of offensive consistency, a log jam on the 2-guard, or simply an total match problem? We might by no means know. However Okogie might must make modifications in his sport if he desires to return to Minnesota subsequent season.

Okogie’s first couple of seasons within the NBA have been promising. He seemed to be a key piece in what the Timberwolves have been making an attempt to construct. We noticed some holes in his offensive repertoire early, however his defensive aggressiveness and the guts he performed with allowed Wolves followers to often overlook these flaws.

However Okogie fell out of Chris Finch’s rotation final 12 months. He performed in solely 49 video games through the 2021-22 season, however he was within the beginning group for Minnesota’s season opener this 12 months. So what occurred?

If there was one constant degree to Okogie’s sport, it’s his defensive skill. Each time he took to the ground final season, Okogie made a significant influence on the defensive aspect of the ball. He usually matched up with the group’s greatest participant. So why did he solely play in 49 of the 82 video games? There are a few causes.

One is that Minnesota had a log jam at 2-guard. It was troublesome for him to get any taking part in time with Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, and Jaylen Nowell, who’re all above Okogie within the rotation. The opposite motive, and most definitely the largest, was his incapacity to carry out on the offensive aspect of the ball.

Okogie has at all times performed protection and had apparent holes on offense. It’s a priority that actually got here to mild throughout this previous season when he solely put up 2.7 factors per sport. It wasn’t simply his lack of open jump-shooting but in addition his offensive IQ.

He didn’t play many significant minutes this season. Nevertheless, when Okogie was dealing with the ball, the play usually would lead to him attacking the rim with no goal or plan. He usually threw a prayer in direction of the ring or flung it again out to an unsuspecting teammate.

What’s Subsequent?

There can be nothing I’d need to see extra with Okogie than him flourishing with a group that wants perimeter protection just like the Timberwolves. However new group president Tim Connelly might view Okogie’s first 4 years with the Wolves as sufficient time to have proven his skillset and show that he belongs within the rotation. Okogie goes to be a restricted free agent this offseason. Okogie will be capable to get hold of a suggestion from any group, however the Timberwolves can match that supply. Nevertheless, they might not choose to take action.

Enjoying alongside Karl-Anthony Cities virtually requires his teammates to have the ability to hit the three, given the variety of occasions the All-Star massive will get doubled and even triple-teamed whereas posting up. Apart from Jarred Vanderbilt, you possibly can say that is true with just about everybody within the Wolves rotation. Subsequently, it’s exhausting to see Okogie being a match with the Wolves.

Ought to Okogie need to stay in Minnesota subsequent season, he might want to add that constant three-ball we’ve all been eager for, together with improved offensive IQ. That’s simpler stated than completed. The Wolves don’t want Okogie to shoot 45% from the arc on 8 three-point makes an attempt per sport. Slightly, he wants to provide one thing extra alongside the traces of 35-38% on 3 photographs a sport. Nonetheless, that’s a lofty objective, one which will show to be insurmountable in the long term.

If Okogie’s time in Minnesota ends by coaching camp, many groups can be on the lookout for his defensive skill. The Utah Jazz had some interest in Okogie leading up to last season’s Feb. 10th trade deadline. Groups like that who wouldn’t thoughts taking an opportunity on the nonetheless solely 23-year-old guard are those taking a look at him essentially the most.

No matter the place he lands subsequent season, I’ll at all times be rooting for him. It doesn’t matter what, the group that finally ends up with him will get one factor for positive, he’ll at all times be a warrior on the defensive aspect.