Okongwu ready for a Breakout Season

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[Jamaaliver]

Definitely sounds like the author of this Tweet is making a threat, right?

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[jayu70]

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[jayu70]

Definitely sounds like the author of this Tweet is making a threat, right?

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I don't think I've seen any Hawks fans that are willingly offering him up in fake trades.

[tbhawksfan1]

but a lot of other team's fans trying to squeeze him into trades to their team

[Jamaaliver]

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As mentioned before, Okongwu’s continuous improvement as a scorer inspires hope, but he’s already one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA. In 2022–23, he ranked in the 85th percentile in creating scoring opportunities through the offensive glass, scoring 1.36 points per possession in these situations. Amongst third-year players who played 1,000 minutes, Okongwu ranked first with a 72.4 contested offensive rebound percentage, further emphasizing his ability to consistently grab offensive boards that others cannot. Amongst qualified bench players last season, Okongwu ranked fourth in offensive rebounds and fifth in offensive-rebound percentage.

It might surprise some Hawks’ fans, but Okongwu actually played at his best when he was paired alongside Saddiq Bey and Bogdan Bogdanovic. This three-man lineup was the best combination for the Hawks last season, as they had a plus-17 NETRTG in 270 minutes on the floor. Atlanta’s four-best three-man lineup combinations all feature Okongwu, further emphasizing his value on the court.

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Onyeka Okongwu’s case

Isaiah Stewart’s recently agreed upon extension could provide a valuable baseline for Onyeka Okongwu’s extensions. Stewart was drafted 16th overall in the same draft and just inked a four-year, $64 million deal to stay with the Detroit Pistons. Stewart has been a starter the past two seasons, and in an injury-shortened 2022-23 season, he put up averages of 11.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

Okongwu and his camp will surely ask for north of that figure given the greater potential he’s shown in limited minutes. ‘OO’ is the superior defender having ranked among the elites this season in block percentage. And his per 36 minutes and 100 possession averages generally trump Stewart.

Final predictions

Here are my ballpark numbers for the extensions should the sides reach an agreement:

Onyeka Okongwu: Four years, $88 million

[Jamaaliver]

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Since Onyeka Okongwu was a rookie, defense has been his calling card. But it's the other end of the court where he made major strides last season. Going back to his college days at USC, Okongwu has always been able to score the ball. During his lone season as a Trojan, he averaged 16.2 points per game. He's active around the basket and has a nice touch at the rim as a finisher.

This past season, Okongwu averaged a career-best 9.9 points per game while shooting 63.8 percent from the field. But what stood out the most was his increased willingness to step out and shoot whether it was from the midrange or from the three-point line. After not hitting a single three-point shot his first two seasons with the Hawks, Onyeka Okongwu shot 30.8 percent from three-point range during the 2022-23 season.

This is going to be a big season for Okongwu. He's in the fourth year of his rookie contract and is eligible for a contract extension. If he isn't able to reach an agreement on an extension with the Hawks, he will potentially hit restricted free agency next summer should he decline the qualifying offer.

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[Jamaaliver]

The idiot writer forgot Paolo Banchero exists.

Ranking NBA Bigs Under 25 with Highest Ceilings

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
2. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
3. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
4. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
6. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
7. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
8. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets


9. Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks



Unable to get around the Clint Capela-sized barricade in front of him, Onyeka Okongwu has made just 28 starts and averaged 19.3 minutes over his three NBA seasons. But he could be on the slow-and-steady trek to stardom, and that journey could accelerate in an instant if Capela ever goes from the trade block to the transaction log.

Even in limited action, Okongwu has flashed tantalizing talent at both ends. While a touch undersized for the center spot (6'8", 235 lbs), his 7'2" wingspan, strength and athleticism allow him to play bigger than his size. He's already a top-shelf shot-blocker (career 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes), but his quickness and versatility might be his best defensive weapons.

Offense is more of a question mark, but his growth potential is undeniable. He is a reliable finisher at the rim, where he utilizes both power and ambidexterity. But he has dabbled in outside shooting and flashed advanced processing skills that could make him a sneaky source of passing.

Bleacher Report

[jayu70]

If he can be a reliable shooter from 3 even if on low volume it will do such to further open up the lane for Trae.

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Ranking the NBA's 22 Best Prospects 22 and Under

22. Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks

1 OF 22

This is an aggressive ranking based on the career Okongwu has had to this point but a conservative one by where he could take his game moving forward. By Goldilocks logic, this feels like just the right place to put him.

Whenever Atlanta finds him a starting spot, he might immediately join the Defensive Player of the Year race. He is an elite shot-blocker (career 2.1 per 36 minutes) and mobile enough to blanket perimeter players on switches. On offense, he has mainly functioned as a finisher and glass-cleaner, but there are enough hints of ball-handling, vision and shooting touch to think he could eventually have a lot more in his bag.

Honorable mention: Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons; Jaden Ivey, PG, Detroit Pistons; Jonathan Kuminga, PF, Golden State Warriors; Jeremy Sochan, PF, San Antonio Spurs; Ausar Thompson, SG/SG, Detroit Pistons

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10089167-ranking-the-nbas-22-best-prospects-22-and-under

[Jamaaliver]

OO has no lift on his jumper, but it seems to be pretty effective all the same.

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Advanced Analysis of Onyeka

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Spoiler:

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[jayu70]

NBA Intel: Contract Extension Predictions for 2020 NBA Draft Class

Onyeka Okongwu (No. 6 Pick from 2020)


Onyeka Okongwu seems vital to the Atlanta Hawks' rotation behind starting center Clint Capela. The team moved off John Collins' salary, which should clear some of the front-court logjam for Okongwu.

The Hawks have a lot already invested in players like Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanović, De'Andre Hunter and Capela. At the right price, the franchise could lock in Okongwu as well.

Averages (80 games, 18 starts): 23.1 minutes, 9.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 assist

Closest comp: While their games are different, Okongwu plays a similar heavy-minute role off the bench to Kyle Kuzma (when with the Lakers through 2019-20). L.A. gave Kuzma an extension starting at $13 million (11.6 percent of the cap), which equates to $16.4 million for 2024-25.

Expectation: This one could happen before the deadline.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10089386-nba-intel-contract-extension-predictions-for-2020-nba-draft-class

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