Onyeka Okongwu has a shot at a three-year, $76.6 million deal, but he cannot just rely on his outside shooting. The clock is ticking toward the October 19 deadline, and the Hawks need to see if he can guard the paint as well as he stretches the floor. His career-best 37.6 percent from three-point range is great, yet the real test starts when the opponent drives right at him.
Garrett Brown at Peachtree Hoops notes that Okongwu starts 63 games and now faces a critical checkpoint in his seventh season. The team wants him to be their long-term answer at center. That means he must protect the rim and finish defensive stops, not just hit jumpers. If he skips the extension talks, it leaves big questions about how much Atlanta values him after they looked at other centers like Isaiah Hartenstein.
The Spacing Is Already There
Okongwu took 5.2 three-point attempts per game last season, according to Peachtree Hoops. That volume forces opposing big men to step out, which opens driving lanes for Jalen Johnson. This fits Quin Snyder’s five-out offense perfectly. When Okongwu pulls a defender away, the whole offense flows better. He can roll, screen, or spot up without getting stuck near the basket. The shooting is the easy part to see.
However, the offense needs a starting center who can actually defend the paint. Okongwu has the mobility for ball screens, but he needs to pair that with consistent interior play. He cannot just be a shooter who runs the floor. The team needs him to be a wall when the game gets physical. That is the only way to justify the massive contract number on the table.
The Contract Clock Is Ticking
According to reports, Okongwu is eligible to agree to a deal extending up to three years for $76.6 million. The deadline to agree is October 19. Missing this date does not mean he is gone, but it does mean the Hawks could be looking elsewhere. They showed interest in Hartenstein and Jarrett Allen during the offseason. That tells us they are still checking their options at the center position.
Okongwu has two years left on his current deal if no extension happens. Negotiations can drag on over price or timing. Still, his performance this season will decide the future. Another good year from deep helps, but it is not enough. He needs to show he is the anchor Atlanta needs. The money is there, but the trust must be earned first.
What The Preseason Shows Us
The preseason games have offered some clues about the team’s depth. Jock Landale played well against the Thunder, scoring 17 points. He noted that the chemistry is growing day by day. “The chemistry base has been really good.” Landale remarked following the game that the situation remains a process handled day by day and week by week. This shows the group is getting better, but Okongwu is the one with the contract on the line.
Young players like Zuby Ejiofor also got minutes and played effectively. He had 15 points and nine rebounds. But the focus remains on the starter. Okongwu has to prove he can handle the heavy lifting while Landale rests. The Hawks have a good young core, and Okongwu needs to be the steady hand in the middle.
