The Atlanta Hawks are not for off getting Onyeka Okongwu back earlier than anticipated. He was due back in January but has already played a G League game with the College Park Skyhawks. Foul trouble limited his game time but it was a very important 24 minutes for the Skyhawks in the scheme of things.
Given that Gorgui Dieng has not worked out as the Hawks would have hoped and with the potential of getting a positional need via trade they could move him. They would have to wait for Okongwu to be healthy and return after his father’s death, for which we all wish all the best.
What Okongwu will bring to the franchise when he returns will not be the same gifts that Dieng has. Okongwu does not space the floor, nor does he have the same ability to block shots that the veteran does but is learning team defense. What he was able to do against Giannis Antetokounmpo shows how good he has the potential to be.
The second unit of the Atlanta Hawks would benefit from Onyeka Okongwu.
Not only is Okongwu going to be a strong defensive presence in the middle when Clint Capela sits down he is also able to help the second unit offense. Okongwu has little to no range on his shot but what he does do is create doubt in the opposition’s mind with his skill in the pick and roll.
Such is the connection that he developed with Lou Williams that he makes the opposition defense move in ways that creates space for his perimeter players, including Williams. This connection makes the veteran even more dangerous as he adds an element of confusion, will he pass or shoot?
This also allows John Collins to get some more rest as Okongwu will be able to move into his usual backup center role. This has the potential impact of helping the Hawks late in the final period where they have the ability to run out games better than their opposition.