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Atlanta Hawks : 3 Improvements Onyeka Okongwu must make this season

By Brice Lewis

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 06: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference second round series at Wells Fargo Center on June 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 06: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference second round series at Wells Fargo Center on June 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Onyeka Okongwu was the 6th overall draft pick for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2020 NBA draft. Even though he started last season injured, when he got in the lineup you can argue that he made more improvement than any Hawks player over the season.

There were questions asked about whether he could make an impact at the center position at his height of 6’8 being slightly undersized. Given how he played during the playoffs he appears to have answered some of these questions. Now he enters his second year looking to build off of that progress.

He is also under the careful and watchful eye of Travis Schlenk, There have been questions asked as to whether Okongwu could be the Hawks center of the future. After Clint Capela signed his extension this off-season, we have to see if that changes anything.

Okongwu will start the season late, as he is recovering from shoulder surgery. He is looking to return in late December to early January. When he gets back Nate McMillian will have a plan for him and should be a big part of the rotation in the frontcourt.

Onyeka Okongwu looks to elevate his game in his sophomore season with the Atlanta Hawks

Okongwu only played 12 minutes a game last year and averaged 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds. However, If you watched the Hawks closely last year you know if you look past the numbers, he was big for the Hawks in terms of energy and his defense.

Another positive is that Okongwu has a big defensive upside and potentially could develop a good offensive game as well, especially if he continues to develop chemistry in the pick and roll. If he stays on the court and continues his growth, the sky could be the limit for Okongwu in his career. Now, let’s dive into 3 improvements the second-year man can make this coming season.

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