After undergoing additional testing on the left leg injury he sustained in Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Okogie has officially been diagnosed with a hamstring strain, the team confirmed in a press release.
Okogie’s injury occurred in the third quarter after he intercepted a pass from Clippers guard James Harden and converted a fast-break layup.
However, after completing the layup, he appeared to struggle, remaining on the floor for an extended period before slowly getting up.
After successfully converting his and-one free throw, the player was substituted out of the game and did not return.
The Hornets announced that Okogie will be re-evaluated in three weeks, with additional updates on his condition provided as necessary.
This timeline is likely to affect his availability for the remainder of the season, and the team will closely monitor his recovery process.
The injury marks a setback for Okogie, who had been showing significant growth in his new role with Charlotte after being traded from Phoenix as part of last month’s deal involving center Nick Richards.
The guard had been playing some of the best basketball of his career since joining the Hornets, earning a prominent role off the bench.
Over the seven games he played with Charlotte, he averaged 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 steals in 21.2 minutes per game.
Okogie’s offensive efficiency had been noticeable, with a shooting line of .434 from the field, .391 from three-point range, and .789 from the free-throw line.
He had also posted an impressive +16.3 net rating, meaning the Hornets outscored their opponents by 47 points while Okogie was on the court.
Despite the team’s overall struggles (Charlotte went 2-5 and was outscored by 15 points during this stretch), Okogie’s presence was undeniably impactful, and his contributions on both ends of the floor had earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Before the injury, there had been growing speculation that the Hornets could potentially trade Okogie for additional assets ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
The 26-year-old’s strong performances and versatility had made him an appealing target for other teams looking to add depth to their roster.
However, this hamstring strain significantly alters the situation and likely decreases the chances of a trade involving Okogie.
With the injury potentially sidelining him for weeks, suitors may be more cautious in pursuing a deal, as they would need to account for his recovery and how it might affect his future contributions.
Hornets' Okogie Out At Least Three Weeks With Hamstring Strain https://t.co/GhjnCB2slD pic.twitter.com/oqB4YW7YYK
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 1, 2025
