Atlanta struggled mightily early this season, giving up easy looks at the rim far too often. Headlined by embarrassing losses with 60+ points in the paint allowed last fall, hope seemed lost for the Hawks to grace the postseason.
After trading Kristaps Porzingis and promoting Okongwu to the full-time starting five, however, everything flipped - while Onyeka's defense was always well above Porzingis (hindered by his lack of mobility and switchability), the surprise wasn't on defense - it was behind the arc.
Okongwu mightily improved his shot last season - as a result, it's not ridiculous to believe that Atlanta has found their long-term answer at the five that was right under their noses all along.
Okongwu's elite catch-and-shoot ability opens entire floor up for Hawks
It's no secret that rostering an elite stretch big allows your 1-4 to be far more aggressive on drives to the rim.
Okongwu demonstrated his ability to be a legitimate stretch big all year long - in fact, he was second only to Bam Adebayo in catch-and-shoot attempts all year long, taking 377 looks in total, and converting on an excellent 57.6% efficiency to boot.
With Okongwu spacing the hardwood with the best, it's hard to imagine that Atlanta would desire any other direction at the five - and yet, that's exactly what the rumor mill has churned out this week.
Hawks pivoting frontcourt direction to Jarrett Allen? I don't think so.
It bears addressing that the Hawks have been rumored to be targeting Jarrett Allen via trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer.
While Allen is no doubt an incredibly impressive big man - see his colossal performances this Eastern Conference Finals-gracing playoff run - the price would simply be too steep for the Hawks to realistically pay at a position they've already more than addressed.
Not only do the Hawks chiefly roster Okongwu, who has proven his worth as well beyond the stretch big that Jarrett Allen could ever dream of becoming, but they've also drafted young talent Zuby Ejiofor (who also showed out beyond the arc this summer league), and extended Jock Landale to a 1 year, $14M deal.
There's simply too much talent to feel the need to realistically acquire Allen from the Cavs - that is, unless they're offering him for a price too good to resist.
Thanks to Okongwu, the Hawks have a clear direction at the five - small, athletic, switchable centers that can stretch the floor with the best are absolutely in fashion, and the Hawks are lucky to have one at present and another well on his way to boasting the same title in Zuby Ejiofor.
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