The Atlanta Hawks have built a starting lineup that deserves every ounce of the weight carried by the word, "Elite." Across 761 possessions, the five-man unit of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, CJ McCollum, and Onyeka Okongwu ranks in the 93rd percentile in net rating, per Cleaning the Glass.
For as promising as that may be, Okongwu's inconsistency on the offensive end of the floor is beginning to threaten the sustainability of the Hawks' success in a potential postseason setting.
Okongwu has turned in an excellent 2025-26 season that includes career-best marks in points, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made per game. In all, he's averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.9 offensive boards, 3.2 assists, 1.1 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 2.0 three-point field goals made per game.
Okongwu is thus on pace to become the sixth player in NBA history to average at least 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 block, and 2.0 three-point field goals made per game.
That undeniably deserves praise, as Okongwu has evolved as a shooter and become one of the most well-rounded big men in the NBA. Unfortunately, many of his more frustrating tendencies have been on display during the closing stretch of the 2025-26 season.
Though he doesn't need to impose his will on every game, Okongwu's habit of fading into the background on offense and enduring stretches of streaky shooting could cost the Hawks their balance.
Onyeka Okongwu must break streaky tendencies for Hawks to contend
Over the past 12 games, Okongwu has shot just 43.0 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from beyond the arc. There have been high points during that time, including the 20 points he scored in a win over the Boston Celtics. He's also contributed in other phases of the game.
When the playoffs roll around and the Hawks inevitably rely on their balance to compete with the contenders they're due to encounter, however, Okongwu will need to find a stronger baseline for his performances.
Okongwu's scoring may not be the primary focal point of the Hawks' offense, but his ability to convert at multiple levels is essential to team success. He's first on Atlanta in points as the pick-and-roll dive man per game, fourth in points and field goal attempts per game, and third in three-point field goal attempts per game at 5.3.
Furthermore, the Hawks are 17-7 when he shoots at least 56.0 percent from the field. Arbitrary a number as that may be, it's a sign of how his efficiency plays a key role in the outcome of games.
That would undoubtedly prove true if the current standings hold, as Atlanta is on pace to face Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. If it were to win that series, the odds would be in favor of Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons waiting for them in the second round.
If Okongwu is unable to right the ship and balance assertiveness with efficiency in an ideal manner, then the Hawks' balance will fall apart. If he can figure it out, however, their elite starting lineup can compete with anyone.