Onyeka Okongwu -- Defensive Anchor

[Jamaaliver]

Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu is showing toughness, tenacity to develop into a two-way star



Okongwu has played fewer than a full season’s worth of games in his two seasons but has already shown an ability to guard anyone in front of him. That includes stepping out on the perimeter and sliding his feet against quicker guards. He showed in last season’s playoff run how he could guard Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Few players in the league can contain Giannis from getting to whatever spot on the floor he wants. Okongwu, a second-year player, has shown he’s one of the select few who can go toe-to-toe with the 2-time MVP.

“Defense is all about effort and the want to guard,” Okongwu said. “That’s how I’ve always been growing up. I’ve just wanted to guard. I feel like it’s a pride thing. I’m always going to take the challenge. I feel like no matter who I guard in this league, I’m always going to do my thing.”

The Hawks snapped their 10-game home losing streak Monday night against the Bucks with a 121-114 win, and Okongwu’s defensive performance on Antetokounmpo was a large reason...All night long, no matter what Antetokounmpo threw at Okongwu, the Hawks center responded with his best counter. On the play below, Antetokounmpo spins baseline, Okongwu recovers and blocks the ball, then draws the jump ball by holding the ball with one hand. The strength one must possess to make this play is considerable, and that it was done by a 21-year-old against one of the strongest players in the league [is astounding].

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On this play late in the game, Antetokounmpo wants to back Okongwu all the way to the basket for an easy look, but because of the Hawks center’s lower-body strength, the Bucks star has to settle for a tough turnaround jumper. If he hits this shot, the Hawks are willing to live with it because these are the kinds of attempts you want any opponent to take when you’re on defense.

Because Okongwu wasn’t going to be backed down, Antetokounmpo was forced to figure out other ways to get to his spots. Here, in isolation, Antetokounmpo tries getting to the rim, but Okongwu pokes the ball free and is promptly fouled as he goes for the loose ball.

It’s not just on defense where Okongwu is showing his value. It’s in his ability to finish at the rim where he’s a clear positive. He’s shooting 78 percent from the floor and has made 85 percent of his attempts as the roll man in pick-and-roll actions. Young noted how their timing in the pick-and-roll isn’t as crisp as it will be one day because they haven’t played many minutes together, as Okongwu is usually working with the second unit. But his touch when he gets inside the restricted area is velvety soft.

“I’m always going to play physical,” Okongwu said. “I’m always going to do what I do. I’m going to be aggressive, physical, foul if I need to. I don’t back down from anyone. That’s how it’s always been and how it always will be. That’s the player I am.”

The Athletic

[Jamaaliver]

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[raleigh]

He's barely 21 and already looking like a starting center without any great chemistry between him and Trae yet. I think it's safe to say he's gonna surpass "defensive role player."

[CP War Hawks]

So many possibilities with OO starting at center. He's probably slightly taller than Hunter, and will get engulfed by the true 7 footers. A big time long two way pf like JJJ would be ideal next to him.

OO just needs to get that ft rate at 70% or better. He needs another low post move, hopefully he develops a go to move over the summer. He contests every shot so the forwards need to hit the boards hard.

[Ball4life32]

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[D21]

This season would have been totally different if both him and Clint have been fully healthy from the start. I'm almost sure there would not have been all these discussions except trading Reddish

[myrak433]

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I voted trade bait...... but after watching video of him saying his is a DOG!!!! I change to Defensive Role Player. I am starting to envision Dennis Rodman.

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

Double O is coming into his own...

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[Jamaaliver]

I fully support the young man campaining to make the Rookie AS Team.

He's been great when healthy!!!

Onyeka Okongwu On Playing in All-Star Weekend: ‘I Should Get A Rising Stars Nod’



In his second season, Onyeka Okongwu has shown the potential the Atlanta Hawks envisioned by increasing the minutes of the sixth overall in the 2020 NBA draft. During the final quarter of the Hawks’ 129-121 comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, Okongwu decided to put on a slam dunk exhibition in the fourth quarter.

Okongwu finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and one steal.

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Okongwu recently stated in an interview with Hoopshype that he believes he should be invited to the Rising Stars Challenge on All-Star Weekend in Cleveland.

“Everybody can see what I do out there on the court. I think my play really speaks for itself, especially defensively with what I’ve been able to do, guarding on the ball and helping. Offensively, I’ve got my confidence back. I’ve doubled my points scoring to almost 10. At the end of the day, we’re on a six-game winning streak playing good basketball, and I’m part of the mix, which is always a blessing. I’m thankful to be able to be on the Hawks, and we’re playing good basketball. I think, all things considered, I should get a Rising Stars nod”.

The Hawks’ backup center has been a major contributor to the team’s success this season, as his skill and athleticism work well alongside Trae Young and John Collins in their small-ball lineups.

Okongwu is one of only three players (Rudy Gobert and Robert Williams the others) to average nine or more points (9.7) six or more rebounds (6.0) while shooting over 70 percent from the field (74.4 percent).

SLAM Online

[Spud2nique]

[Jamaaliver]

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[jayu70]

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[Jamaaliver]

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