Rockets' sneakiest signing of the offseason could come to play a massive role

As the Houston Rockets attempt to sort out their rotation in the absence of Fred VanVleet, head coach Ime Udoka will certainly need to get creative with his combinations in order to keep the team offensively and defensively viable throught the full 48 minutes of each game.

Therefore, Josh Okogie, who signed a one-year deal with the Rockets this past offseason, will be play an integral role insofar as he is capable of both producing on the offensive end and maintaining a staunch defensive presence, and, while he might not be the ideal bench contributor, his emergence as a serious piece for this team could have massive implications.

With Houston not having much backcourt depth, Okogie's ability to play shooting guard, and shoot viably from the outside, could pay huge dividends as the season progresses.

Josh Okogie could be a sneaky addition for the Rockets this season

While Okogie emerged as a promising rookie with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2018-19 season, averaging 7.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists through 74 games, his production has never quite climbed from those levels.

Last season, with the Phoenix Suns and the Charlotte Hornets, Okogie averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists while shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc. Moreover, his 3.3 defensive box plus-minus was the best of his career, and, although he likely will never be a viable starter, he is the type of versatile player you need coming off of the bench.

With VanVleet out, and Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard slated to take on the majority of the minutes at point guard, Okogie could come to play an important positional role this season.

In Houston's season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Okogie got the minutes that otherwise would have gone to someone like Aaron Holiday or even JD Davison, posting eight points, two rebounds and one assist while making multiple good plays on the defensive end of the court.

He played almost 20 minutes on the night, and, although his impact on the box score was limited, he was a major factor in holding the game down when the team's starters were largely off the court.

While the Rockets still await the return of Dorian Finney-Smith, who will be a major bench piece (or even a starter) for them this season, this bench unit could become ultra-reliable when Tari Eason returns to form.

No matter what the team's depth looks like on paper, this will be wholly necessary for any championship hopes the organization may have this season.