Onyeka Okongwu is stepping into the spotlight, and the Atlanta Hawks might just need to take notice. Selected sixth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Okongwu has steadily improved year after year. Under the mentorship of veteran Clint Capela, he has become a crucial asset, providing a solid 48 minutes of center play. However, with the 2024-25 season underway, it’s time for Okongwu to break free from Capela’s shadow.
Is Onyeka Okongwu the Future of the Hawks? Time to Make the Call!
Why is this transition vital? Okongwu’s athleticism and youth are undeniable. He showcased his potential brilliantly in the season opener against the Brooklyn Nets, where he scored a career-high 28 points, pulled down eight rebounds, and recorded three blocks in just 28 minutes. This performance has sparked fervent discussions among fans urging Coach Quin Snyder to elevate him to the starting lineup.
For the past two seasons, Hawks supporters have clamored for Okongwu to take the lead role at center, yet Capela’s legacy has kept him in the starting position. Once a dominant force, Capela was a double-double machine, averaging 15 points and 14 rebounds during the Hawks’ impressive run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021. But injuries have taken a toll. Since 2022, his recurring calf, ankle, and knee issues have contributed to a notable decline in his performance, while Okongwu’s trajectory continues to rise.
Capela may still finish lobs from Trae Young, but his ability to create offensive opportunities has waned. Last season’s averages of 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds disguise his diminishing impact. For instance, in a recent game against the Washington Wizards, Capela managed only 16 points and four rebounds—a concerning stat that underscores his decreasing effectiveness.
The Hawks felt Capela’s absence during Okongwu’s recent injury, as his absence illuminated the stark difference in their contributions. Kyle Kuzma exploited the situation, grabbing 11 rebounds against the smaller Hawks lineup, and center Jonas Valanciunas outperformed Capela as well.
Amidst these changes, Larry Nance Jr.’s performance off the bench has been a breath of fresh air. His versatility and jump shot blend seamlessly into the Hawks’ five-out offensive strategy, highlighting Capela’s limitations. While Capela remains the only center unable to shoot threes, he clogs the lane, disrupting the flow of Atlanta’s game.
With Capela’s contract expiring and his $22 million salary on the line, the Hawks face a critical decision. Capela will likely demand a pay raise, but at 30 years old and in decline, the Hawks would be wise to consider parting ways. Meanwhile, Okongwu, poised to turn 25 next season, is primed for a starting role as he enters his sixth year.
The Hawks are at a crossroads. Without a midseason trade to unload Capela’s contract, they risk entering next summer with an unrestricted free agent. Meanwhile, they’ve secured Okongwu on a team-friendly four-year extension worth $61 million starting this season.
Once Capela departs, Okongwu’s ascension to the starting position will be inevitable, supported by the reliable Nance Jr. as backup. As the 2025 NBA draft approaches, the Hawks could utilize the Lakers’ pick to secure a promising young center, completing a dynamic three-man rotation. This strategic shift could pave the way for a championship contender, marking a new chapter in the Hawks’ evolving journey. The time for change is now—will the Hawks seize the moment?
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