5 roster moves the Atlanta Hawks need to make this offseason

5 roster moves the Atlanta Hawks need to make the offseason

Feb 6, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) and forward Danilo Gallinari (8) and forward John Collins (20) walk back on to the court during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 26, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) fouls Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) on the shot during the first half in game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

5 roster moves the Atlanta Hawks need to make this offseason: 2. Pick up Onyeka Okongwu’s team option

It is not often that a second-year man who has had an injury-plagued career so far is seen to be untradeable. That is the case for Onyeka Okongwu, who is a true energy and heart defender. He is undersized for an NBA center at 6’8, but with the way that he plays, you would not know it.

The former UCLA standout was incredible for the Hawks after he came back from shoulder surgery last season. While he is a pick and roll specialist, the best in his draft class, Okongwu is adding a little range to his shot as well. It’s not much, but it’s just more than his center partner, Clint Capela.

He has vowed to come back next season with a jump shot, and if he can do this, he is going to be a handful. If he can add a pop to change up from his roll, then defenses will struggle to contain Okongwu, particularly as he is on a strong second unit.

Okongwu is due just under $6.4 million for next season. If he can stay healthy and continue to grow, then he could be a contender for awards like Most Improved Player or even Sixth Man of the Year. He has that much potential. Given the Hawks have such pressure on their salary cap, his production at this price is going to be invaluable next season.

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