ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks will start their preseason sport nearly absolutely wholesome, with Onyeka Okongwu nonetheless recovering from his toe damage. Head coach Quin Synder was requested earlier than their sport towards the Indiana Pacers if Okongwu could be accessible.
“We speak to our well being efficiency managers on a regular basis. O’s progress goes to proceed to evolve in the best way it must so he’s not solely wholesome however match and able to go,” Snyder stated. “It’s aggressive, however we’re additionally affected person with the scenario. The one factor you may management is the time and work you place into it. We are going to proceed to have updates for you.
Okongwu remains to be recovering from a non-surgical process to deal with irritation in his left toe. At media day, basic supervisor Landry Fields stated Okongwu was not 100% wholesome heading into coaching camp, however there was no timetable on when he would return .
Okongwu was additionally requested throughout Media Day about his rehabilitation and whether or not he could be restricted throughout coaching camp.
“The rehabilitation over the summer time went nicely. I really feel good mentally and bodily and I’m simply prepared for one more yr,” Okongwu stated. “Proper now, I am on my method again up, excited for camp, excited to go and be with the workforce once more.”
It is unclear when Okongwu will return, however when he does, he will likely be a significant asset for the Hawks, who have not had many points when it comes to manufacturing on the heart place.
The Hawks will want Onyeka Okongwu on each side of the ball
Onyeka Okongwu has improved his sport yearly since coming into the league, and he may help the Hawks on each side of the ball together with his versatility. Offensively, Okongwu began making extra three-pointers final yr, which opened the door for the Hawks in numerous conditions. At Media Day, he reiterated that his aim is to proceed to make extra photographs whereas additionally trying to enhance his soar shot.
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Defensively, Okongwu confirmed the flexibility to protect a number of positions, and he additionally stated throughout Media Day that he was able to get again to the extent he was at.
“Total, defensively, simply going again to the defender I do know and studying so much about what we do defensively,” Okongwu stated when requested about his pleasure for the season.
The middle place has been strong for the Hawks with Onyeka and Clint Capela, and it helps that they convey various things to the desk. Capela gives extra of a defensive anchor function, whereas Okongwu offers the workforce extra offense and flexibility on protection. Generally final season, Quin Snyder would shut with Okongwu or Capela, relying on what the sport offered.
For now, the Hawks should go into the preseason taking a look at different choices at heart, equivalent to Dominick Barlow, Mouhamed Gueye and Larry Nance Jr. Snyder would possibly even need to experiment with Jalen Johnson on the 5. Hopefully for the Hawks, Okongwu will likely be prepared for the beginning of the common season to allow them to be absolutely wholesome.
