Hawks 2024-25 player profile: Onyeka Okongwu's time may be coming

Fifth-year Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu is the next subject of Soaring Down South's player profile series. A former Top 10 pick being a backup into his fifth NBA season would typically be a worrying sign about the player’s development.

In Okongwu’s case, however, it is a matter of circumstance.

Okongwu was seemingly a veritable luxury pick for the Hawks. They acquired current starter Clint Capela from the Houston Rockets nine months before selecting Okongwu with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2020 NBA draft.

Onyeka Okongwu 2024-25 player profile: Versatility could be key to starting role

2023-24 stats: 10.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.1 BPG
2024-25 projection: 11 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 BPG

The modest projected increase for Okongwu is no accident. It is mostly because his situation has not changed in a tangible way. 

Capela, the 2020-21 rebounding champion, remains on the roster. And despite diminished effectiveness, he also remains an integral part of what the Hawks have done defensively. That uncertainty around Okongwu’s role caps even the most optimistic projections.

His ability to play power forward could also work against him.

It makes him a valuable utility player behind the likes of Capela and starting power forward Jalen Johnson.

Okongwu worked to expand his range last season, connecting on 33.3% of his 1.3 attempts per game. A low-volume shooter at this point, it is difficult to envision the Hawks starting him at power forward by choice. 

And despite his listing on the Hawks’ website at 6-foot-10, Okongwu is undersized at center.

Onyeka Okongwu’s best role with Hawks: super-sub

For the reasons above and more, Okongwu may be destined to hold down his current role for the Hawks. Capela has been mentioned in trade speculation for months. But the Hawks have also been linked to several more traditionally built centers. 

Okonwu’s numbers as a starter have not exactly screamed “starter” either. 

He has averaged an 11.7/8.7/1.3 line in his 36 career starts. He did post a 16.1/8.5/1.1 line in eight starts in 2023-24. 

But the Hawks’ holding on to Capela despite trade interest would at least seem to suggest the front office (and coaching staff) are not comfortable turning the reins over to Oknogwu on a full-time basis just yet.

And the uncertainty around Cody Zeller’s future could mean that the Hawks need Okongwu, whose versatility is far more valuable off the bench, in that role.

Okongwu may be a victim of circumstance more than anything. 

Hawks head coach Quin Snyder declined to specify a starting lineup on media day. He instead emphasized the importance of closing groups. In that sense, Okongwu may have a role locked up given that his ability to switch and offense that is superior to Capela’s gives the Hawks more flexibility.