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Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu still the pick in 2020 NBA Draft re-do

By Joshua Buckhalter

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 16: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks drunks against the Houston Rockets during the first half at State Farm Arena on May 16, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 16: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks drunks against the Houston Rockets during the first half at State Farm Arena on May 16, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Hawks are less than two weeks from the start of training camp. With the time left before that, we have been looking at all things Hawks related. From retracing their run to the Eastern Conference Finals to their solid NBA Draft to new money for several core players. It has been an eventful offseason.

One of the most enjoyable has been the “what if…?” exercise Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has been on.

His final installment reversed a trend of change coming from these, at least for the Hawks.

Atlanta Hawks still snag Onyeka Okongwu when given a ‘second chance’

So far the Hawks have drafted Ivica Zubac, Danuel House, Dillon Brooks, Michael Porter Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, Matisse Thybulle, and Cam Johnson over Taurean Prince, DeAndre’ Bembry, John Collins, Trae Young (went before they picked), De’Andre Hunter, and Cam Reddish in the world Bailey has laid out.

While the re-drafts have left the Hawks with talent, they are left without a point guard and, unsurprisingly, an identity.

That’s why Bailey’s do-over on the 2020 NBA Draft is such a welcome sight.

This time, the more things change, the more they stay the same as the Hawks come away with USC big man Onyeka Okongwu with the sixth overall pick. He is the first pick made in this fantasy scenario that played out in real life.

Okongwu started just four of his 50 appearances but that’s to be expected on a team as deep as the Hawks. In 12.0 minutes per game, the 6-foot-8 forward and center with a 7-foot wingspan averaged 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds. His 0.7 blocks per game translate to 2.0 per 36 minutes, our favorite imperfect stat for backups.

He managed 2.7 points and 2.7 boards in 9.2 minutes per game during the postseason but maintained the 0.7 blocks per game (2.8 per 36 minutes).

Unfortunately, Okongwu suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery and will keep him out until January at least. Because of that, the Hawks have added both Gorgui Dieng and Jahlil Okafor (non-guaranteed) in free agency as well as big man Johnny Hamilton (non-guaranteed).

Next. Who else can be trusted in clutch situations?. dark

When healthy, Okongwu’s athleticism and length on defense were apparent immediately. But his poise when thrust into action in a deep postseason run was is what impressed Bailey most. Hopefully, he comes back and doesn’t have any long-term issues from the injury. The arrow was certainly pointing up.

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