Houston Rockets make bold choice by signing young wing

If you thought the Houston Rockets were done making moves, think again. The team has officially signed Josh Okogie to a one-year deal.

This is an intriguing signing. Okogie fits the Rockets' philosophy to a tee. He's a defensive stalwart. That said, he does double down on one of the team's weaknesses. Okogie is a shaky shooter and a subpar shot creator.

Is he the right guy for the Rockets?

Rockets make smart decision with Okogie

Let's start with the bottom line. This is a one-year, $3.1 million deal. It's not substantial. If Okogie can't crack the rotation, he's not taking up a meaningful portion of the Rockets' short-term cap, and they'll let him walk in the summer.

It should also be said that Okogie shot a respectable 34.8% from deep last year. That included a strong 38.1% mark during his 25 games with the Suns. If Okogie has turned a corner from deep, he could be a great addition to this rotation. If he regresses to the mean, he'll stay on the bench.

The Rockets needed backcourt depth. At 6'4", Okogie is a viable off-guard, even if he plays like a wing. It's already apparent that the Rockets are treating the 2 spot like a wing position, so Okogie will fit right in. So, this is a solid signing:

Even if it's not a perfect one.

Rockets still need shot creators

Okogie does a lot well. He's a hustle player, and he defends with intensity. Still, beyond floor spacing, he's also incapable of generating offense for himself.

Unfortunately, the same can be said for a lot of players on this roster.

The Rockets had better hope Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson are ready. Otherwise, there will be undue pressure on Kevin Durant. Alperen Sengun will carry a substantial offensive load, but at times, the Rockets will need players who create from the perimeter. They'll realistically need more than one.

That said, it would have been nearly impossible to find such a player at $3.1 million per season. Rockets fans should keep an eye on the injury-prone De'Anthony Melton. If he signs elsewhere for a similar amount, it could be argued that Houston should have signed him. He's a more dynamic offensive player.

Otherwise, this is a fine use of a roster spot. Okogie has an opportunity to provide more on-court value than his salary requires. If he can't, he won't get on the floor. This was a smart move by the organization.

Now, we can safely assume they're done (I think).