Atlanta Hawks: 5 legends for Onyeka Okongwu to study over the offseason

NBA legend for Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu to study No. 2) Karl Malone

Another Hall of Fame player who Okongwu could learn from studying the way that they played is Karl Malone. While Malone’s game was a lot greater than Okongwu’s will ever be there is so much knowledge for Okongwu to garner by watching one of the greatest power forwards to play the game.

Malone played almost all of his career with arguably the greatest point guard of all time in John Stockton. There have been flashier players, more exciting to watch, but none that have been able to guide a team for so long at such a high level.

Okongwu has the luxury of playing with one of the better point guards in the league and needs to learn to get himself into the best positions to help his team score. This is what Malone did so well, he got to his spots on the floor and received the ball. Okongwu will not get it as regularly as he is not the focal point of the offense, but he will still get it.

Another key attribute that Okongwu can learn from Malone is his work ethic in the gym. Malone was able to outmuscle almost every player in the league such was his strength. While Okongwu may not have the same body type, the stronger he gets, the more likely he is to get the rebound or be able to back a player down in the post.