Although the Hawks are entering a new era in Atlanta, one old conversation persists. Is Onyeka Okongwu a true starting-caliber center?
OO has grown leaps & bounds since the 2020 NBA Draft
Okongwu has faced unfair criticism from day one. Standing at 6’9", Hawks fans were ready for a true seven-footer after the 6’10 Al Horford defended the then-Phillips Arena from 2007 to 2016.
Things were different for the five-time NBA All-Star because he was surrounded with an incredible core.
The Horford-led Hawks made the playoffs from 2010 to 2016, with two seasons above 50 wins. On the contrary, Okongwu was drafted into a rebuilding situation, only experiencing the playoffs three times during the Trae Young era.
His impact on the floor has clouded by losses throughout the years, even when he was the lone bright spot in times of turmoil. During the 2025 Play-In Tournament, he scored 28 points and 12 rebounds against the Miami Heat in a 123-114 overtime loss.
Okongwu woke up anyone who might’ve slept on his skillset, and he returned for the 2025-26 season with a vengeance. He averaged career-high numbers across the board.
OO shined during his 74-game regular-season campaign, averaging 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.1 steals. He also kept his promise from 2024 Media Day when he promised fans to improve his jumpshot, finishing the season shooting 37.6% from three.
Even with all these developments, some fans are still open to trading Onyeka for a star big man like Jalen Duren when their names hit the rumor mill.
Can Okongwu be a championship-caliber center for ATL?
It’s been a figurative slap to the face of the former No. 6 overall pick. He’s been patient through the many highs and lows that come with wearing a Hawks jersey, not to mention the days of observing Clint Capela from the bench.
Okongwu’s adaptability should be commended. It’s clear he’s done everything to fit the Hawks' system, yet it’s still not enough in the eyes of the fans. Unfortunately for OO, he’s now 26 years old, so he's likely done growing.
His height will remain a conversation, especially now that the Hawks are a playoff team. Many of their Eastern Conference opponents have taller big men, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics.
Even a struggling franchise like the Washington Wizards has taller big men than the Atlanta Hawks. However, Atlanta’s trump card is their small-ball, five-out lineup.
Their starting big men are agile and consistent three-point shooters. A big part of their evolution is Okonwgu’s improvement. He fits the Hawks system like a puzzle piece, and it’s hard to put a price on the chemistry he shares with frontcourt mate Jalen Johnson.
He is a major reason the Hawks star has spacing to score in the post, and their playstyles complement each other. All of these factors should ease Hawks fans as Okongwu enters year seven.
The California native has improved in every season since arriving to Atlanta, and the 2026-27 season should be no different. If fans are still skeptical after the upcoming season, the 2027-28 season is the last year on his contract.
Add us as a preferred source on Google