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2026-27 Atlanta Hawks player preview: Onyeka Okongwu

As the Atlanta Hawks prepare for another season, center Onyeka Okongwu enters his seventh NBA campaign with a key development: a sharper perimeter skill set. Last season, Okongwu shot 37.6% from three on 5.2 attempts per game, a career-high in volume and efficiency that forced opposing bigs to guard him beyond the arc.

This stretch ability creates critical spacing for Atlanta’s offense, particularly in Quin Snyder’s five-out system, where Okongwu’s mobility allows perimeter players like Jalen Johnson to exploit defensive gaps. His versatility extends to defensive versatility, though his ability to finish plays inside and protect the rim remains a focal point for a team still evaluating its long-term center solution.

Okongwu’s progress comes with a contract milestone: he is eligible for a three-year, $76.6 million extension, with a deadline of October 19. The Hawks’ reported interest in free agents Isaiah Hartenstein and Jarrett Allen adds context to his value, but missing the extension window wouldn’t immediately signal his departure—he has two years left on his current deal.

For Atlanta, reinforcing Okongwu’s role would solidify his place as the cornerstone of its young frontcourt, while another strong shooting season could further cement his status as the team’s primary center for years to come.

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