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Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu’s ‘Rising Stars Report’

ByJoshua Buckhalter|
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks an alley-oop pass against the Orlando Magic during the second half at State Farm Arena on December 22, 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 - DECEMBER 22: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks an alley-oop pass against the Orlando Magic during the second half at State Farm Arena on December 22, 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)

The Atlanta Hawks currently boast the largest roster in NBA history with ridiculous 26 players under contract. It is a necessity with a league-high 12 players in health and safety protocols at one point. They are on track to start getting guys back in the mix including veteran guard Lou Williams.

They will have to wait a few more days until they can get second-year big man Onyeka Okongwu back.

In the meantime, the former sixth-overall pick took to Twitter spaces on Thursday.

Onyeka Okongwu spoke with Rachel DeMita about getting acclimated to the NBA

The second installment of the ‘Rising Stars Report’ and also featured NBA.com’s steve Aschburner as well as NBA writer and podcaster Danny Leroux. In the first episode, they spoke with Indiana Pacers rookie and the 13th-overall pick from this past July’s NBA Draft, Chris Duarte.

During the wide-ranging interview, the trio started off by discussing how Okongwy felt upon making his debut against the Denver Nuggets.

He had 10 points, two rebounds, and a steal in under 14 minutes of action just to be sent to protocols two games later. In that three-game span, Okongwu averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 boards, 2.0 blocks, and 1.3 assists while shooting 70.6 percent in over 22 minutes per game.

Their conversation then turned to current Cleveland Cavaliers phenom forward Evan Mobley, a fellow USC alum whom Okongwu said he’s known since he was 15 or 16 years old. Okongwu said the two played together in AAU ball on the renowned ‘Compton Magic’. He also expressed how he always saw the star potential in Mobley.

The Hawks face the Cavs in Cleveland on Friday.

Things shifted to the Hawks and how they’ve struggled to get their footing. Stopping short of making excuses, Okongwu explained how COVID has slowed the process for them so far with so many new faces – sentiments echoed by his head coach.

He also expressed optimism in their ability to make a run to the postseason and what he thinks he was able to prove on the big stage in last year’s playoffs.

"“I feel like I showed that I’m ready for the moment, especially defensively. I feel like I bring that whenever I’m on the court; my energy, my presence on the defensive side of the floor. And overall just being a team basketball player, making the right plays offensively. Just dining what it takes to help my team win.”"

Barring two negative tests within 24 hours of each other or another positive test, Okongwu should be able to rejoin the Hawks on Jan 5 against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Also covered in the interview, his budding friendships with Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter, as well as the Charlotte Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball who he’s known since he was nine, and a slew of other topics.

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