Josh Okogie thinking 'long-term' in returning to Phoenix Suns
LAS VEGAS — Josh Okogie has made an investment in his future when deciding to return to the Phoenix Suns on a one-year deal.
“Just for me, looking at all the teams, I felt like my decision to come to Phoenix was more of a long-term rather than the short-term, make the money,” he said. “I was looking at a team that loves me just as much as I love them. Know that I have a role here, a home here and I have a chance to compete for a championship. You can’t ask for that at too many organizations.”
The versatile wing averaged 7.2 points on 39.1% shooting in his first year with the Suns last season.
“I took the deal looking at the long-term,” Okogie continued. “Just in terms of being able to build, not only this year, but just my career. I’ve had a lot of success here, kind of revamped my career here last year, and they were able to give me a chance and be gracious on how they move in this organization. So I decided to take a chance on them again."
Connecting on 33.5% of his 3s, Okogie started with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton after the Suns acquired Durant in a blockbuster trade right before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
The Suns moved Paul in the offseason as part of a blockbuster trade to acquire Bradley Beal from Washington. Now Okogie is part of team looking to seriously compete for a championship. “I like the group a lot,” Okogie said.
“I feel like we’re talented in so many different aspects and so many different ways. I just like what we can do defensively. That’s my main goal, my main focus. I still want to be that Swiss Army knife for the team. Wherever the holes are that need to be filled up, that’s what I want to do. Plug in the holes and make sure we’re as complete as possible.”
Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Josh Okogie thinking 'long-term' in returning to Phoenix Suns
