The 2018 NBA draft class is one that Atlanta has reason to be excited about. The Hawks will have the chance for multiple first-round picks, and could use their number three overall pick on either Indiana forward OG Anunoby or Duke shooting guard Grayson Allen.
The “onyeka okongwu” is a 24-year old Nigerian basketball player that the Atlanta Hawks signed this past summer. The “onyeka okongwu could make John Collins more tradeable for the Hawks”.
The Atlanta Hawks (18-25) are in dire need of a win one season after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. According to reports, the organization might make practically everyone on the roster available before the NBA trade deadline. Given the recent ascent of Onyeka Okongwu, it’s feasible that the Hawks may mix things up by transferring star forward John Collins.
Onyeka Okongwu seems to be a future star for the Hawks.
Onyeka Okongwu found himself defending two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo late in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day showdown between the Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks.
The ball was in the hands of the Greek Freak on the low block, where he succeeds so frequently. Antetokounmpo seemed to gain space after spinning off his right shoulder after taking a dribble. Okongwu, on the other hand, mimicked Giannis’ path to the basket and came back to make a spectacular block, tying up the Bucks star in the process.
Okongwu’s defensive qualities were characterized by that one play. But it’s only one of the many he’s made throughout the competition. Earlier in the game, as Antetokounmpo attempted to go to the hoop off the bounce, the No. 6 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft ripped him. He followed Giannis around all night. The second-year big man kept the Greek Freak to 2-of-12 shooting and three turnovers, according to NBA.com.
Isn’t this amazing stuff?
Okongwu hasn’t got much of a chance to demonstrate his quality. During his debut season, he appeared in 50 games but only played 12 minutes per game on average. He missed the first 28 games of the 2021-22 season due to a ruptured labrum and subsequent surgery. Even so, the former USC product is already displaying glimpses of his enormous potential.
Okongwu is averaging 13.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes in 11 games. While his defensive prowess jumps out, the 21-year-old is aware of his attacking responsibilities. After the Bucks blew up the initial play, he modified the Hawks’ first offensive set, establishing another ball screen and launching a short touch-pass to an open John Collins in the corner.
Okongwu is a good mover off the ball. For catches, he flashes to the center of the lane, and he dominates the baseline dunker area. When he’s not receiving lobs or passes near the basket, he doesn’t make rash judgments either, often locating the proper pass on rolls.
On both ends, the 21-year-old looks to be rather progressed. Indeed, Okongwu’s outstanding performance may cause the Hawks to make a huge move in the trade market.
The Hawks may get go of John Collins and go with a two-big rotation.
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By dealing Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks, the Hawks shown their willingness to change the franchise’s course. Could they do the same with star forward John Collins by trading him?
Collins signed a five-year, $125 million contract deal with Atlanta in the summer. However, in each of the previous three seasons, his usage percentage has decreased, and there seems to be a gap between himself and Trae Young in terms of how the game should be run.
Collins is without a doubt the Hawks’ most valued player. He is one of the most athletic players in the league and shoots the 3-ball at a high rate (43.5 percent this season). The 24-year-old is progressively growing as a switchable defender and has showed greater ease attacking off the dribble.
If Atlanta decides to move Collins, the roster will be drastically altered, with Okongwu and Clint Capela at the helm. Okongwu has taken over for Capela, who is recovering from an ankle ailment. However, if the Hawks trade Collins, the two might make a formidable frontcourt.
It’s possible that starting Okongwu and Capela together may restrict attacking space. The Hawks’ apparent dedication to a high pick-and-roll between Young and Capela, on the other hand, suited Okongwu’s inclination to locate the dunker position or flash to the free-throw line for receptions. In addition, an Okongwu-Capela frontcourt may help Atlanta’s defense. That’s significant given the Hawks’ defensive rating of 29th.
Ultimately, the Hawks’ decision to trade Collins might hinge on their assessment of Okongwu’s potential.
What is the limit of Okongwu’s potential?
On January 17, 2022, Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks receives a jump ball while defending against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA game | Getty Images/Kevin C. Cox
Can Onyeka Okongwu develop into one of the NBA’s top two-way big men? The Hawks’ internal debate over whether or not to deal John Collins might influence their decision.
Okongwu is already one of the most accomplished defensive bigs in basketball, as proven by his outstanding individual effort against Antetokounmpo. He’s also improved as a passer, which is important in the current NBA for frontcourt guys who have yet to develop a perimeter game.
Okongwu’s prospective growth as a free-throw line stretched player offers untapped potential in this aspect. He hasn’t found his ball-handling comfort zone yet, and he doesn’t take many jumpers, but he’ll get there in time.
Okongwu is a rising talent with the Hawks. Collins’ projectability might influence his future in A-town as the squad seeks to find a new direction.
Unless otherwise stated, all stats are courtesy of Basketball Reference.
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