Onyeka Okongwu Elevated to Starting Center for Hawks Against Suns

Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu is slated to enter the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Suns, a significant development reported by Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site. This promotion follows a career largely spent as the backup to Clint Capela, despite Okongwu being the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Last season, he averaged 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Okongwu has consistently shown strong per-minute production, including a sophomore season where he averaged 9.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in just 23.1 minutes. He concluded last season with a strong performance, scoring in double digits in 15 of his final 17 games and accumulating 30 blocks, highlighting his potential. While Capela's role has historically limited Okongwu's upside, the Hawks are reportedly growing more confident in increasing his playing time, suggesting this starting role could be a pivotal moment for his development and fantasy value.