4 Defensive specialists the Knicks should consider signing in free agency

2. SG Josh Okogie

If the Knicks wish to go all-in on improving their defense, they should do what they can to sign Josh Okogie. He certainly isn’t an impressive offensive player, but his value on defense cannot be understated. Not only is he great as an on-ball defender, but he is incredibly versatile for his size. Adding him to a bench that features versatile defenders in Hart and Quickley would make for an elite defensive trio.

Last season, Okogie averaged 7.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 39.1% from the field and 33.5% from three on 2.7 attempts. These numbers certainly aren’t inspiring. However, compared to how bad he’s been on offense in prior seasons, it’s undoubtedly an upgrade.

No team signs Okogie for his offense. What they do sign him for is his lockdown defense and hustle. Okogie has consistently been a positive defensive player despite playing for some truly bad defensive teams throughout his career.

Signing Okogie likely wouldn’t cost too much. With the amount of cap flexibility the Knicks have this offseason, we very well could see Okogie in blue and orange. This sort of defensive prowess doesn’t come often, meaning the Knicks shouldn’t pass on an opportunity to add a guy like Okogie to the team.