Why isn't Okongwu starting?

BlackThought · Post #1 » by **BlackThought** » Sat Nov 11, 2023 11:55 pm

The more I watch him, the more he reminds me of a young Draymond (more physically gifted, less skill version). He's undersized but strong enough to play center. Has basketball IQ is beyond his age and experience and this year has started shooting some 3s. I think the Hawks should let Okongwu have more playing time next to Trae and see if the two can develop some chemistry together like Steph and Dray. We already know what Capela is, which is a pick and lob type of big. I think the Hawks should at some point explore Okongwu's potential by playing him at least 30+ min a night.

Post #2 » by **Jamaaliver** » Sun Nov 12, 2023 3:56 pm

BlackThought wrote:I think the Hawks should at some point explore Okongwu's potential by playing him at least 30+ min a night.

We are all aware of Okongwu's potential and inevitable promotion to starter.

The concerns are that he is undersized, foul prone and a mediocre rebounder. Three concerns that Capela doesn't have.

Okongwu and Jalen Johnson are likely to be our starting Center and Power Forward combo by Opening Night 2024.

It's just a matter of time.

jayu70 · Post #3 » by **jayu70** » Wed Nov 15, 2023 9:05 pm

Shouldn't Okongwu's usage be trending up if he's expected to start?
Interesting that Clint's usage is also trending down.
Glad to see Trae's usage trending down.
Love the 3 that are trending up.

Hawks Usage Rates this season compared to last:

Trae- 31.0% (-1.6%)
Dejounte- 25.2% (+0.8%)
Bogi- 20.9% (+1.1%)
Dre- 18.1% (-1.6%)
Jalen- 17.6% (+1.6%)
Saddiq- 16.5% (-0.9%)
Clint- 14.3% (-1.4%)
AJ- 13.9% (-4.0%)
Onyeka- 13.3% (-1.8%)

Post #4 » by **HMFFL** » Wed Nov 15, 2023 10:17 pm

jayu70 wrote:Shouldn't Okongwu's usage be trending up if he's expected to start?
Interesting that Clint's usage is also trending down.
Glad to see Trae's usage trending down.
Love the 3 that are trending up.

Hawks Usage Rates this season compared to last:

Trae- 31.0% (-1.6%)
Dejounte- 25.2% (+0.8%)
Bogi- 20.9% (+1.1%)
Dre- 18.1% (-1.6%)
Jalen- 17.6% (+1.6%)
Saddiq- 16.5% (-0.9%)
Clint- 14.3% (-1.4%)
AJ- 13.9% (-4.0%)
Onyeka- 13.3% (-1.8%)

I looked over his stats this morning and I do believe he should be the starter. Maybe we're seeing if Clint's value goes up.

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Geaux_Hawks · Post #5 » by **Geaux_Hawks** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:56 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
BlackThought wrote:I think the Hawks should at some point explore Okongwu's potential by playing him at least 30+ min a night.

We are all aware of Okongwu's potential and inevitable promotion to starter.

The concerns are that he is undersized, foul prone and a mediocre rebounder. Three concerns that Capela doesn't have.

Okongwu and Jalen Johnson are likely to be our starting Center and Power Forward combo by Opening Night 2024.

It's just a matter of time.

If anything, I don't think we could survive without Clint's rebounding and defensive awareness. Where OO is the better of the 2 as a more mobile and bouncier guy, Clint still has the awareness and prowess to be effective while on the floor. To be honest, the split in minutes is more useful because we kinda need both to split the minutes at center. I still wouldn't be opposed to having both on the floor at the same time more with Trae, Bogi, and Bey or and all defense unit with DJ, Hunter, and JJ.

Post #6 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:01 pm

Geaux_Hawks wrote:If anything, I don't think we could survive without Clint's rebounding and defensive awareness. Where OO is the better of the 2 as a more mobile and bouncier guy, Clint still has the awareness and prowess to be effective while on the floor. To be honest, the split in minutes is more useful because we kinda need both to split the minutes at center. I still wouldn't be opposed to having both on the floor at the same time more with Trae, Bogi, and Bey or and all defense unit with DJ, Hunter, and JJ.

It's definitely a valid concern.

If Okongwu gets that inevitable promotion to starter, we'll need an experienced, oversized, backup Center for certain matchups who specializes in rebounding. (Think Andre Drummond, Goga Bitadze, Jusuf Nurkic, Zubac.)

It'd also help if the Forwards next to Okongwu picked up their rebounding production, too. (Looking at you DeAndre.)

Geaux_Hawks · Post #7 » by **Geaux_Hawks** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:24 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
Geaux_Hawks wrote:If anything, I don't think we could survive without Clint's rebounding and defensive awareness. Where OO is the better of the 2 as a more mobile and bouncier guy, Clint still has the awareness and prowess to be effective while on the floor. To be honest, the split in minutes is more useful because we kinda need both to split the minutes at center. I still wouldn't be opposed to having both on the floor at the same time more with Trae, Bogi, and Bey or and all defense unit with DJ, Hunter, and JJ.

It's definitely a valid concern.

If Okongwu gets that inevitable promotion to starter, we'll need an experienced, oversized, backup Center for certain matchups who specializes in rebounding. (Think Andre Drummond, Goga Bitadze, Jusuf Nurkic, Zubac.)

It'd also help if the Forwards next to Okongwu picked up their rebounding production, too. (Looking at you DeAndre.)

I wish we got in on Nurkic. His game would fit in great here at the 5.

Post #8 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:42 pm

Geaux_Hawks wrote:I wish we got in on Nurkic. His game would fit in great here at the 5.

Still a possibility. Suns would do a Capela for Nurkic swap in a heartbeat.

jayu70 · Post #9 » by **jayu70** » Thu Nov 16, 2023 2:53 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
Geaux_Hawks wrote:If anything, I don't think we could survive without Clint's rebounding and defensive awareness. Where OO is the better of the 2 as a more mobile and bouncier guy, Clint still has the awareness and prowess to be effective while on the floor. To be honest, the split in minutes is more useful because we kinda need both to split the minutes at center. I still wouldn't be opposed to having both on the floor at the same time more with Trae, Bogi, and Bey or and all defense unit with DJ, Hunter, and JJ.

It's definitely a valid concern.

If Okongwu gets that inevitable promotion to starter, we'll need an experienced, oversized, backup Center for certain matchups who specializes in rebounding. (Think Andre Drummond, Goga Bitadze, Jusuf Nurkic, Zubac.)

It'd also help if the Forwards next to Okongwu picked up their rebounding production, too. (Looking at you DeAndre.)

Yes, him. Has he ever won a rebound from a scrum. He had 2 such balls last night that he couldn't grab, got out fought for them. :nonono:

jayu70 · Post #10 » by **jayu70** » Thu Dec 7, 2023 7:09 pm

What is going on with OO. Seems he might be struggling to grasp Quin's PhD offense. I still want him being aggressive and forceful on defense and rebounding. And stop biting on pump fakes leading to stupid fouls.

Post #11 » by **Jamaaliver** » Thu Dec 7, 2023 7:40 pm

jayu70 wrote:What is going on with OO. Seems he might be struggling to grasp Quin's PhD offense.

I suspect that's exactly what it is.

I think that might be AJ Griffin's issue, too.

jayu70 · Post #12 » by **jayu70** » Thu Dec 7, 2023 8:08 pm

Jamaaliver wrote:
jayu70 wrote:What is going on with OO. Seems he might be struggling to grasp Quin's PhD offense.

I suspect that's exactly what it is.

I think that might be AJ Griffin's issue, too.( The simplicity of Nates system was good for them in the early going)

Yes on Griffin too. So send him to CP or just play him and live with the mistakes while he develops. He can't be worse than Matthews and Mathews.

Garrison and Wes are bottom 2 on the team in overall on/off efficiency differential and defensive on/off efficiency differential (per Cleaning the Glass)

jayu70 · Post #13 » by **jayu70** » Thu Dec 7, 2023 10:08 pm

what has happened to OO?

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