Atlanta Hawks: It is OK that Onyeka Okongwu did not make the All-Rookie team
Atlanta Hawks rookie Onyeka Okongwu has had an interesting first season in the league. He missed the start of the season through injury. He then struggled to break into the rotation. Then coach Lloyd Pierce was removed and interim coach Nate McMillan was given the job.
From there, he set about developing the rookie in a way that benefitted the team. The trade that was made that sent Rajon Rondo to the LA Clippers in return receiving Lou Williams. The connection formed between these two allowed Okongwu to stay on the court longer.
However, Okongwu did not make either of the two All-Rookie teams. The first team was made up of LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Saddiq Bey, and Jae’Sean Tate. The second team was Desmond Bane, Isaac Okoro, Immanuel Quickley, Isaiah Stewart, and Patrick Williams.
The Atlanta Hawks are in a better place for Onyeka Okongwu
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The thing about Okogwu’s situation is that he was never going to get any individual honors this season. There is too much talent on the Hawks squad which kept Okongwu’s minutes down and limited his role on the team.
He has a very high ceiling, particularly as he is showing so much energy and effort, especially on the defensive end. What he does have is the opportunity to be a rookie on a team that is one game away from making the Eastern Conference finals.
He is getting playoff experience, including helping make a run in the fifth game of the series which gave the Hawks the advantage against the Philadelphia 76ers. This has got to be better for the rookie than getting an individual honor and sitting home watching others hoop.
Next. Revisiting the Lou Williams trade after Game 5. dark
He is going to gain so much more than the other players who are on teams who have less talent surrounding them. Okongwu is learning and playing playoff basketball and that is why you play the game at this level.