Phoenix Suns wing Josh Okogie was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Dan Majerle Hustle Award before the team’s regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Clippers Sunday afternoon.
Okogie, who signed with the Suns this offseason after he spent his first four NBA seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, ascended to a very important role. Okogie is expected to be the team’s fifth starter throughout its impending postseason run, a spot he earned with his defensive effort and a very-improved offensive ability.
Okogie only played more than 20 minutes three times before January. Then, his opportunity grew.
He had a 24-point, 10-rebound performance in the Suns’ Jan. 21 win over the Indiana Pacers, which seemingly led to his breakout.
Okogie began to log heavy minutes in February and had a 14-game stretch – which includes 13 starts – when he averaged 14.5 points on 42.3 percent shooting (37.8 percent from 3-point range) with 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals.
Okogie has since been regularly assigned to the opposing team’s best player on defense and has been called ‘Nonstop’ for his energy.
Okogie and the Suns will wrap up their regular season Sunday against the Clippers before they begin their postseason run next week. Phoenix will be the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and hold homecourt advantage in the first round.