THE FLATS – Josh Okogie continues to find ways to help the Suns win as playoffs approach … more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.
*****
COULD JOSH OKOGIE BE AN X-FACTOR IN SUNS PLAYOFF PUSH?
Shortly before the NBA trade deadline, the Suns sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, and four unprotected first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant. Durant was injured at the time, but was in the thick of the NBA MVP conversation and has been amongst the NBA’s best players for at least a decade now.
While Durant is the headliner, the aftermath of the trade left Phoenix with little depth and not many avenues to add players outside of the buyout market. One of the guys that was already there was former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Josh Okogie, who signed with the Suns during the summer of 2022.
Okogie had to take on an even bigger responsibility after the trade because Durant was injured and the lack of bodies on the perimeter for Phoenix. He averaged nearly 33 minutes a game during the short month and scored at least 24 points twice.
*****
OKOGIE INSTRUMENTAL IN CLOSING OUT NUGGETS
The offensive production from Phoenix Suns fifth starter Josh Okogie has admittedly plummeted as of late, but it’s something we saw coming and the team is prepared for to handle.
Over a recent eight-game stretch from Feb. 9 to Mar. 3, which includes seven starts, Okogie averaged 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists (1.3 turnovers) on 46.9% on 6.1 three-point attempts per game.
Over the last 13 games since then, most of those numbers have fallen down to 9.2 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 31.5% on 4.2 threes per game. Okogie’s playmaking, however, is starting to become a real weapon with 2.2 assists to 0.8 turnovers per game over that stretch, and that’s even considering zero assists to one turnover over the last two games.
This 14-point, 5-rebound, 1-steal game in a 100-93 win over the Denver Nuggets marks consecutive double-digit scoring nights for just the second time in March as we turn to April. It was also his best shooting night of the month from both the field (5-8, 62.5%) and three (4-5, 80.0%).
More from Bright Side of the Sun
josh okogie finishes march having made 22-66 (33.3%) from three. pretty pedestrian month compared to february’s 46.2%, but still better than his career 29.2%.
he finished strong though, making 4 out of 5 against denver, including the dagger with 45 seconds remaining.
📽️ pic.twitter.com/aDpjl2Vtyw— damon allred (@iamdamonallred) April 1, 2023
Making the most of an opportunity. pic.twitter.com/DNqIgr8EwL
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 29, 2023
*****
HASLEM SAYS BOSH, JAMES, WADE TOOK PAY CUTS TO KEEP HIM ON HEAT TEAM
Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem will be saying farewell to the NBA after a 20-year run, and he’s had quite the career, winning three championship titles with the team.
On “The Pivot” podcast, Haslem revealed there was a time when he was certain his fate would be sealed when the “Big Three” was announced. He had been with the Heat since 2003, and in 2010, he was a free agent and realized the trio’s value could jeopardize his spot on the team.
However, the “Big Three,” which consisted of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, negotiated their salaries to keep him on the team.
*****
#ProJackets on Social Media
Jose Alvarado – without a boot – coming out got some shots up. pic.twitter.com/hE0ZG64BT1
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 4, 2023
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Come say what up ! https://t.co/qGyJw6vB1V
— Josh Okogie (@CallMe_NonStop) April 3, 2023
Thaddeus Young was a problem https://t.co/nBuKdXJRrl pic.twitter.com/gouMYExLjh
— Blondiggity (@dj_Blonde) April 4, 2023
— THAD YOUNG (@yungsmoove21) April 1, 2023
Eurobasket #ProJackets Report
Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC
Adam Smith (6’1”-PG-1992, played in 2015-16, plays pro in Spain) was the major contributor in Bilbao’s victory against the closely-ranked Zaragoza (23-8) 81-68 in the Spanish Liga Endesa on Saturday night. He recorded 17 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 32 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Surne Bilbao Basket (2-1) is placed second in the Liga Endesa. It’s Smith’s first season with the team. Smith has relatively good stats this year 13.6ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.9apg.
Jordan Usher (6’7”-SF-1999, played in 2019-22, plays in Turkey) could not help Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul (11-7) in their last game. Despite Usher’s very good performance Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul lost 67-79 on the road to the leading Turk Telekom. He was the second best scorer with 20 points. Usher also added 4 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only his first season in pro basketball. Usher’s team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical. It’s Usher’s first year with the team. He has relatively good stats this season 14.6ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.1apg in 22 games he played so far.
Josh Okogie (6’4”-G-1998, played in 2016-18, currently in the NBA) led Phoenix Suns to a victory against the Denver Nuggets (52-27) 100-93 in the NBA last Friday. He scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 29 minutes. The Phoenix Suns have 44-35 record this season. It was his team’s sixth consecutive victory. There are only three games left until the end of the NBA Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Okogie has relatively good stats this season 7.2ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.4apg. He is a naturalized Nigerian.
Ben Lammers (6’10”-C-1995, played in 2014-18, plays pro in Germany) was not able to help ALBA Berlin in their game against Barca (22-10) in the Euroleague. He scored 7 points. ALBA Berlin was badly defeated72-56 in Barcelona by the much higher-ranked (#3) Barca. There are only two games left until the end of the Euroleague Regular Season. So now every game will be important. This year Lammers averages 6.4ppg and 2.9rpg in 27 games.
Moses Wright (6’9”-F-1998, played in 2017-21, plays in China) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Rockets (4-38) crushing them 123-82 in the Chinese CBA in Thursday night’s game. Wright recorded 15 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in a mere 16 minutes; not bad, considering it’s only his second season in pro basketball. Zhejiang Golden Bulls (34-7) are placed first in the CBA. The Regular Season already ended. It’s Wright’s first year with the team. Wright has relatively good stats this season 12.6ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.4apg and 1.3spg.
Trae Golden (6’3”-PG-1991, played in 2013-14, currently in China) led Beijing Royal Fighters to a victory over the league outsider Rockets 99-95 in the Chinese CBA last Sunday. Golden was MVP of the game. He scored 24 points. Golden has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages 20.8ppg, 4.0rpg and 5.5apg in 38 games.
Experienced Anthony McHenry (6’8”-SF-1983, played in 2001-05, plays pro in Japan) was the main contributor in a Shinshu BW’s victory against the seventh-ranked Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robots 84-77 in the Japanese B1 League on Saturday night. He was MVP of the game. McHenry scored 21 points in 24 minutes. This season he averages 9.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1bpg and 1.3spg.
Charles Mitchell (6’8”-F/C-1993, played in 2014-16, plays in Argentina) was not able to secure a victory for one of league’s weakest teams Obera (29-6) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Obera lost 55-64 in Cordoba to the leading Instituto. Mitchell had a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks. It was his first game for Obera this season.
Brandon Alston (6’5”-G-1995, played in 2017-19, currently in Georgia), who plays in the Georgian Superleague couldn’t help Batumi (9-10) in their game last Friday. Despite his good performance Batumi was edged81-80 on the opponent’s court by the leading Rustavi. Alston scored 10 points and added 4 assists in 31 minutes. He has relatively good stats this season 12.3ppg, 4.2rpg and 3.3apg.
Glen Rice Jr. (6’6”-F-1991, played in 2009-12, plays pro in Venezuela) contributed to an easy victory against the fifth-ranked Toros crushing them 84-64 in the Venezuelan SPB on Tuesday night. He scored 15 points, grabbed 5 boards, dished 5 assists and stole 3 balls. Rice Jr. has relatively good stats this year 14.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.1apg and 1.6spg in seven games.
Other former Georgia Tech players, who play in pro basketball:
- Thaddeus Young (6’8”-F-1988, played in 2006-07) plays for Toronto Raptors in the NBA
- Derrick Favors (6’10”-F-1991, played in 2009-23) played for Atlanta Hawks in the NBA in January
- Jose Alvarado (6’0”-PG-1998, played in 2017-16) plays for New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA
- Avi Schafer (6’8”-C-1998, played in 2017-19) plays for SeaHorses Mikawa in Japanese B1 League
- Alade Aminu (6’10”-F/C-1987, played in 2005-09) played for Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rican BSN a few months ago
- Josh Heath (6’1”-PG-1994, played in 2014-17) plays for Stella Artois Leuven Bears in Belgian Pro Basketball League
- James Banks III (6’10”-F/C-1998, played in 2018-20) plays for Texas Legends in the NBA G League
- Marcus Georges-Hunt (6’5”-F-1994, played in 2012-16) plays for Kuwait in Kuwaiti D1
- Tadric Jackson (6’2”-G-1994, played in 2014-18) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Evan Jester (6’7”-F-1999, played in 2017-19) plays for Atlanta Aliens in the ABA
- Abdoulaye Gueye (6’9”-C-1994, played in 2014-15) plays for Samsunspor in Turkish TBL
- Gani Lawal (6’9”-F/C-1988, played in 2007-10) plays for Runa Basket in Russian Superleague 1
- Robert Sampson (6’8”-F-1992, played in 2013-13) plays for Yamaguchi in Japanese B3 League
- Shembari Phillips (6’3”-G-1997, played in 2017-17) played for EPG Baskets Koblenz in German ProB last year
- Michael Devoe (6’5”-G-1999, played in 2018-22) plays for Ontario Clippers in the NBA G League
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Georgia Tech basketball alumni.
#PROJACKETS IN THE NBA/G LEAGUE IN 2024-25
| PLAYER | DATA | NUMBERS | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|
 | JOSE ALVARADO Team: New Orleans Pelicans Number: 15 NBA Experience: 4th season Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21 Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Status: Active | 6-0, 179 lbs 2024-25 Stats 9.8 ppg 2.0 rpg 4.9 apg 39.4% FG 40.9% 3pt FG | Record: 12-32 Standing: 14th place, -24 GB Streak: W4 Last 10: 7-3 |
 | JOSH OKOGIE Team: Charlotte Hornets Number: 12 NBA Experience: 7th season Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-18 Hometown: Snellville, Ga. Status: Active | 6-4, 213 lbs 2024-25 Stats 6.0 ppg 2.9 rpg 0.6 apg 47.5% FG 37.8% 3pt FG | Record: 11-28 Standing: 13th place, -23.5 GB Streak: W3 Last 10: 4-6 |
