The Atlanta Hawks have one of the best, most cohesive, starting groups in the NBA, and much of their success comes from advantages created by their center's adaptability.
Onyeka Okongwu, 25, is entering his seventh season in the league, making him the longest-tenured member of the organization. His long-term future in Atlanta, however, is unclear. They have a chance to eliminate all uncertainty with a big decision on Monday.
Having been extension-eligible since the beginning of the month, the deadline for a contract to be agreed upon is today. While not getting something done wouldn't be the end of the world, as they could revisit conversations next summer, it could age well if they went ahead and did it.
A successful season could result in his camp wanting more next year
It would be surprising if Atlanta, and Okongwu, didn't have a successful season.
One of the hottest teams in the league after last season's All-Star break, the Hawks were the only team in the NBA to steal two games on the eventual-champion New York Knicks in the postseason.
They saw their late-season success and early playoff exit, and decided not to overreact, but to correct some of their hidden weaknesses and move forward with the promising group.
The Hawks have improved record-wise in every season since Quin Snyder took over as head coach, and if they stay on their upward trajectory, their starting center could be due for a much higher payday in next offseason's extension period.
Gaining as much roster and financial flexibility as they have over the last couple of years hasn't been for no reason, though. They're prepared to spend when the time is right. Would giving out significant long-term money to Okongwu be the wisest way to go about their freed-up room?
Despite his obvious strengths, some of his weaknesses have made it difficult for the top decision-makers to construct a capable paint defense.
Hawks must weigh the pros and cons of extending Okongwu
As the NBA gets bigger and more talented, Atlanta will look to keep up. They don't want to get left behind.
President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh has shown that he won't shy away from making the difficult decisions that many around the league would often refrain from.
An Okongwu extension, if completed today, should be celebrated. Atlanta will have locked in their starting center for the long run.
If it doesn't get done, though, maybe they should let him hit free agency in the summer of 2028.
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