BREAKING: Onyeka Okongwu Signs Contract Extension With the Hawks
Today was the deadline for players on the final year of their first-round rookie scale contract as well as extension-eligible veterans with two years left on their deal to sign those extensions. The Atlanta Hawks had two players that were up for those extensions, center Onyeka Okongwu and forward Saddiq Bey.
Just minutes ago, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Okongwu is going to be signing a four-year $62 million dollar extension with the Hawks.
To start here, this is a fantastic deal for the Hawks and a major steal for them. Okongwu is one of the best young centers in the NBA and has continued to get better each and every season. Since being the 6th overall pick back in 2020, Okongwu has been the backup to Clint Capela and has seen big improvements on both ends of the floor. He has seen his role grow each season and could be in for his biggest year yet in 2023-2024.
One element that Okongwu showed in the preseason, especially in the loss to the 76ers, is that he might be willing to shoot three-pointers this season, which I think is something that Hawks fans have been wanting to see. I don't think Okongwu is going to become a stretch five overnight, but his ability to knock down outside shots is going to open up this offense even more.
Last season, Okongwu played in 80 games, averaging 9.9 PPG and 7.2 RPG, while shooting 63.8% from the field.
I can't say enough what a steal of a contract this is for the Hawks. Okongwu is still improving and has flashed major upside and could be the starting center in the near future. Great deal for Atlanta.
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Follow Jackson on Twitter: @jacksoncaudell
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