The Atlanta Hawks are nonetheless attempting to get better earlier than the beginning of the common season, and there was some excellent news concerning Onyeka Okongwu as he returns to the lineup. Forward of their preseason recreation towards the Philadelphia 76ers, head coach Quin Snyder proposed an replace on Okongwu’s progress.
“There’s a good likelihood [Onyeka] I gained’t play tonight, however I hope he’ll be right here earlier than the tip of the pre-season,” Synder stated. “As you realize, he is doing extra in coaching, he is sort of stepping up. We are going to proceed to watch this.
Okongwu remains to be recovering from a non-surgical process to deal with irritation in his left toe. Of their first preseason recreation towards the Indiana Pacers, Synder famous that they have been affected person however aggressive in getting him again on the courtroom at full power.
“We speak to our well being efficiency managers on a regular basis. [Onyeka’s] progress goes to proceed to evolve in the best way that it must in order that 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 set into it. We are going to proceed to have updates for you.
Common supervisor Landry Fields stated throughout media day that Okongwu was not 100% wholesome heading into coaching camp, however there was no timetable on when he would return.
Snyder additionally famous that Seth Lundy sprained his ankle, which is one thing to maintain an in depth eye on within the last week of the preseason.
Onyeka Okongwu may play in one of many Hawks’ preseason video games
With the Hawks taking part in three video games in 4 nights, there is a good likelihood Onyeka Okongwu may see time in one of many last two preseason video games. Okongwu will as soon as once more be an essential a part of the Hawks this season, together with his versatility on each side of the ball.
Associated Atlanta Hawks InformationArticle continues beneath
For years, the middle place has all the time been a plus for the Hawks with Okongwu and Clint Capela, and so they each deliver one thing completely different to the desk. Capela supplies extra of a defensive anchor function, whereas Okongwu offers the staff extra offense and flexibility on protection. Relying on the matchup, Quin Synder had the choice of closing with Okongwu or Capela.
If Okongwu is out longer than anticipated, the Hawks have a couple of choices on the middle place to fill his spot. Larry Nance Jr., who was traded to the Hawks this offseason within the Dejounte Murray deal, has the power to play each the ahead and middle positions if wanted. He confirmed a few of that within the Hawks’ first preseason recreation towards the Pacers, and his capacity to shoot from the perimeter is a plus as effectively.
The Hawks even have Mouhamed Gueye and Dominick Barlow, who’re deeper however may see minutes in the event that they want extra dimension on the ground.
The hope is that Okongwu will probably be obtainable for the Hawks’ season opener and haven’t any restrictions shifting ahead.
