PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 16: Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 16, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
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For years, the Atlanta Hawks didn’t know exactly what to do with Onyeka Okongwu, who they picked sixth overall in 2020.
The 6’8 center is talented, but undersized. He’s a good defender, but his height never allowed him to become an elite defensive backbone.
Yet, he kept earning minutes for what he did do, such as rebounding outside of his area, and convert at a ridiculously high clip around the rim.
This year, it’s been easier to play him than ever before, and it starts with his offensive evolution.
Embracing floor-spacing
Okongwu, who took just 16 total three-point shots during his first three seasons, took 14 of them the other night, signaling a significant change in his shot profile.
On the season, the 24-year-old has taken 62 shots from beyond the arc, which makes up for over 41% of his total shots. He’s canning them too, at 38.7% efficiency.
The shot has bumped up his scoring volume, as he’s averaging a career-high 15.7 points per game, and now features more heavily in Atlanta’s offensive scheme.
But perhaps more importantly, Okongwu turning into a floor-spacer now allows Atlanta to use him as a power forward, as he no longer compromises spacing.
12% of Okongwu’s minutes comes at power forward this season, a career-high, and the increasing positional fluidity should act as a major asset to Atlanta, who can now implement him in more lineups.
Finding a balance
With Okongwu taking more three-pointers, it has come with certain sacrifices. His offensive rebounding has plummeted as he operates further away from the basket now, which is worth remembering by the time the playoffs roll around.
Fortunately for Atlanta, they have both Kristaps Porziņģis and Jalen Johnson to help out on the glass, but when a player begin to drastically alter his floor positioning, it does take some adjustment for everyone involved.
One thing that hasn’t changed is Okongwu’s touch around the rim. He’s converting on 78% of his attempts within three feet of the basket, continuing his pattern of supremely high efficiency which he’s sported throughout his career.
The big man has also spent the last two seasons improving his passing, and now that he operates more on the perimeter, making quick decisions with the ball in his hands will be crucial to allow his continued use from outside the three-point line.
It’ll be interesting to see if Okongwu can continue his current efficiency both outside, and near the rim. If he can, it provides Atlanta with a significant efficiency boost by increasing his scoring volume.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.