The decision to sign Spencer Dinwiddie this summer and then just waive him before the regular season even started could have the Charlotte Hornets regretting it because of the roster crunch it caused. One of the repercussions was letting Josh Okogie go, as they had no more roster room to guarantee his supposed salary for the 2025-26 season.
To be clear, the move to release Dinwiddie will more likely than not benefit the squad despite its apparent need for another point guard. The veteran just does not fit the bill in Charlotte, as he is lacking in various areas, including efficient scoring, effective playmaking, and defending opposing ball-handlers.
However, the fact that the Hornets had to use one of their roster spots to bring in Dinwiddie left them no choice but to part ways with Okogie, DaQuan Jeffries, and Nick Smith Jr. While the latter two may not be missed that much in the Queen City, the same cannot be said about Okogie.
The Houston Rockets were quick to sign the 27-year-old to a one-year contract after his split with the Hornets. For a while, it seemed like the Rockets might rue the free agency move following the report that Fred VanVleet sustained a torn ACL. The injury had plenty of folks believing that Houston would seek a replacement for its star point guard, although the organization does not have many options because it lacks enough financial flexibility, as it is just $1.25 million below the first apron.
Interestingly, though, the preseason has given the Rockets and their fans sufficient reason to be optimistic about their chances of contending this season in spite of VanVleet's absence. Among those who have stood out during their current 4-0 run is Okogie.
Josh Okogie can make Hornets regret the breakup
The 20th overall pick of the 2018 draft has provided the Rockets with quality minutes this preseason. Okogie's defense has been quite remarkable, continuing to showcase his ability to guard almost every position. Against their recent win versus the Atlanta Hawks, where he was called up to the starting lineup, he managed to block a Trae Young 3-pointer and a shot at the rim by Kristaps Porzingis on different possessions.
Aside from his stellar defense, Okogie has played beyond expectations on the other end of the floor. His aggressiveness has resulted in making trips to the free-throw line at least 10 times in two of the Rockets' four contests. It's worth noting that he notched 28 points against the Hawks, dispelling any misconception that he is a one-dimensional player.
Some might say that this is just the preseason. But still, Okogie proved he can be a star in his role and supply Houston's true stars, particularly Kevin Durant, with the support they need to make a stab at the 2026 championship.
The Hornets probably could have held onto him, especially since they have a void in the point-of-attack defense domain. Of course, there's no way to know for certain if Okogie would remain with the franchise even if it didn't acquire Dinwiddie. However, the likelihood of that scenario happening would have likely been higher without the recently waived guard out of the picture.