Draft Grades / Analysis

[AHF]

Yahoo:

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Onyeka Okongwu

Draft Grade: A+

Okongwu is the best defensive player in this draft, recording 67 blocks in his one season at USC and averaging 2.7 blocks per game. He became one of the best defensive bigs in the pick-and-roll and has won at every stage of his career so far. He’s reportedly recovering from a fractured toe and he’s not expected to miss any time next season, according to ESPN.

CBS:

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6. Atlanta Hawks: C Onyeka Okongwu, USC

Okongwu is a player I had in the top 10 of my own big board, but this is a strange fit. In terms of front-court players, Obi Toppin is still on the board, and I preferred him. In terms of fit, I liked Tyrese Haliburton here. The Hawks have Clint Capela already as a defense-first center to protect the rim. Grade: C+

ESPN:

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Onyeka Okongwu

Post-Draft Analysis

The Hawks made a big step in improving their biggest weakness, defense, by picking the player many feel is the most versatile defender in this draft.

A fractured toe derailed Okongwu's ability to conduct workouts, but it did not ultimately affect his stock, as he is expected to make a full recovery in time for the regular season.

Okongwu's ability to play with or behind both John Collins and Clint Capela makes him a strong fit positionally on this roster, and his soft hands and the quickness with which he gets off of his feet should make him a popular lob target for Trae Young. -- Jonathan Givony

Skyler Mays

Pre-Draft Analysis

Mays, 22, has the makings of a rookie contributor thanks to his stellar on-ball defense and versatile offensive game.

At 6-4, 205 pounds with a 6-6 wingspan, Mays uses his quick feet, strong base, understanding of player tendencies and high motor to make an impact. He ranks in the top 10 in steal percentage among our prospect list, and his ability to defend either backcourt spot and make open 3s suits him for an Avery Bradley-type role, at least early in his career. - Schmitz

 

Sporting News

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6. Hawks — Onyeka Okongwu, USC, Center

Okonguwu theoretically fits well in Atlanta as lob catcher and rim protector, but the Hawks already have John Collins and Clint Capela on the roster. Perhaps they are considering a trade following this selection.

Grade: C

USA Today

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21. Atlanta Hawks (C). Atlanta’s move to pick USC big man Onyeka Okongwu made sense given the team’s defensive woes last season. But they need more defense along the perimeter. This was a good pick, just not a great pick at No. 6. Guard Skylar Mays of LSU at No. 50 isn’t a bad pickup in the second round.

NY Post

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Atlanta Hawks

No. 6: Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC

No. 50: Skylar Mays, SG, LSU

Okongwu is an exciting big man with athleticism, but unless the Hawks have more moves coming — with Clint Capela and John Collins in their frontcourt — it’s a questionable fit.

Grade: C+

Uproxx

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6. Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu, USC (A)

You have to give kudos to a team that sticks to its board and takes talent, especially when that team is in full building mode. Okongwu is an ideal modern big, even if he doesn’t quite live up to the athletic heights that the Bam Adebayo comparison puts on him. Though Atlanta already has John Collins on the roster as well as Clint Capela, there’s a place for a versatile big man who can be elite in his role on both ends on any team. Okongwu is like an excellent fit, and has a ton of talent to boot.

The Athletic

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Pick: 6

Team: Hawks | Player: Onyeka Okongwu | 6-9 center | 245| 19, freshman | USC

Vecenie’s scouting report: It’s hard to find centers who can close games because they can credibly protect the rim, rebound and also play switchable coverages on the perimeter. Okongwu can be that guy because he’s so strong and has such quick footspeed. Plus, he has a great motor. This skillset is in high demand across the NBA. Where the upside for Okongwu will be is if he can take any strides offensively as a playmaker and creator. If he does, he has some All-Star potential.

Ranking: No. 4

Hollinger’s team fit: Okongwu was the most talented player on my board, but this is a tough fit. The Hawks already have John Collins and Clint Capela in the frontcourt and need wing help in a major way. He’ll be a big plus defensively on a team that struggled to guard, but one also wonders if this portends another trade.

I would have picked…
Vecenie: Tyrese Haliburton| Hollinger: Tyrese Haliburton

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Pick: 50

Team: Hawks (from MIA) | Player: Skylar Mays | 6-4 guard | 204 | 22, senior | LSU

Vecenie’s scouting report: This is a good one for Atlanta given their perpetual search for a backup point guard. Mays is as high-IQ as it gets on and off the floor, and he’s a well-rounded player who can step into both guard spots. He has a shot to stick. I’d have gone Riller or Winston or Merrill, but Mays can do a little bit of everything if the athleticism translates enough.

Rank: No. 45

Hollinger’s team fit: We’re at a point where the hit rate gets pretty low, but Mays has a chance to make it as a back-end rotation player because of his high basketball IQ and improved shooting as a senior. The Hawks need contributors at this spot pretty badly so he comes to a nice situation.

I would have picked…
Vecenie: Riller, Winston, Merrill | Hollinger: Sam Merrill

SBNation

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6. Atlanta Hawks - Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC

Grade: A

Okongwu is the top big man in this class because he can play any coverage style defensively, and he’ll score efficiently in his offensive opportunities. A bit undersized for a center at 6’9, Okongwu makes up for it with strength, length, intelligence, and quick leaping ability. He can shine in drop coverage as a rim protector, or he can get out on the perimeter to hard hedge or corral ball handlers. He won’t be a go-to scorer offensively, but he’s a skilled finisher on rolls and lobs to the rim and will make an impact on the offensive glass. He should fortify the Hawks’ defense around Trae Young.

BleacherReport

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Atlanta: A-

Sports Illustrated

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Atlanta Hawks: A-

James Wiseman has the potential to be the best player in this draft, though he might end up as the No. 2 center when all is said and done. Onyeka Okongwu provides elite defensive skills both on the block and on the perimeter, displaying a fluidity and athleticism matched by few players his size. Okongwu’s offensive skill set remains a bit raw. But it’s hard to find a better long-term defensive anchor alongside Trae Young. Don’t be surprised if Clint Capela’s time in Atlanta is short lived if Okongwu develops quickly.

Mass Live

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6. Atlanta Hawks select Onyeka Okongwu, USC big: B+

 

Okongwu could be the best big defender in the class, and his versatility should be a nice fit on any team willing to play him at the five. Atlanta just traded for Clint Capela however, and they already have John Collins which makes this feel a little strange. Still, Okongwu was probably the best player available here.

Tennessean 

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6. Atlanta Hawks | Onyeka Okongwu, F/C, USC

Instant Grade: C

Analysis: Okongwu is young and will be a bit of a project in Atlanta. He won't be a shooter, and likely won't develop a league-average shot, but he will be a defensive dynamo. Okongwu is 6-foot-9 with a slight build, so he'll be undersized early on. But his defensive motor will keep him on the floor as the rest of his game develops.

The Ringer

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6. Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu, F, USC

Okongwu could end up as a better defender than Wiseman because he’s more capable of guarding on the perimeter. He doesn’t have prototypical size for the center position, but he projects well with the way the game is trending. The question is how much value he can add to a Hawks team that already has Clint Capela and John Collins. Okongwu might end up developing enough offensively to moonlight as a power forward, but he’s currently better suited as the sole big man in a spread offense who can catch lobs at the rim. The problem is that’s the same role that Capela already fills. Having two guys for that spot is not an ideal way to build a team in 2020.

Grade: C

Feel free to add as you see others.

[Sothron]

I have some thoughts on this. The kid is the best defensive big man in the draft. Yes, we have Capella. It NEVER hurts to have elite defensive big men on a roster. The more the better. You do NOT know when injuries happen. 

I also have to point out the obvious: if Big O shows he's ready to start and is NBA elite then Capella becomes a trade piece. There is nothing wrong with that. Some of these bad draft grades are only talking about how he doesn't fit because we have Collins and Capella. There is no further logic applied to take into account injuries, rotation minutes for both C and PF and that Big O can play with either one of our starting bigs.

 

[JayBirdHawk]

Alex Len, Damian Jones, Jabari Parker and Vince Carter - enough said.

[NBASupes]

Atlanta is no longer at the phase where we are just filling needs. We can do that in FA. We need to get the best talent on the board

[BangHolman]

It seems like every poor grade are based on the misunderstanding that the draft is how we are still getting better. Draft talent and fill needs with FA and Trade, especially at Wing and Guard where we have the talent upside but need stability (vets).

[ShooterSays]

It's almost painful reading through some of these draft analyses and seeing how blatant it is that these writers have absolutely 0 clue about the Hawks.

37 minutes ago, AHF said:

6. Atlanta Hawks: C Onyeka Okongwu, USC

Okongwu is a player I had in the top 10 of my own big board, but this is a strange fit. In terms of front-court players, Obi Toppin is still on the board, and I preferred him. In terms of fit, I liked Tyrese Haliburton here. The Hawks have Clint Capela already as a defense-first center to protect the rim. Grade: C+

"The Hawks have Clint Capela already as a defense-first center to protect the rim." 

BUT YET,

"In terms of fit, I liked Tyrese Haliburton here."

Sooooo you don't think we should have picked Okongwu because we already have Capela, but think we should have picked Hali EVEN THOUGH we already have a bona fide stud in Trae Young at the point...

[JayBirdHawk]

Just now, ShooterSays said:

It's almost painful reading through some of these draft analyses and seeing how blatant it is that these writers have absolutely 0 clue about the Hawks.

"The Hawks have Clint Capela already as a defense-first center to protect the rim." 

BUT YET,

"In terms of fit, I liked Tyrese Haliburton here."

Sooooo you don't think we should have picked Okongwu because we already have Capela, but think we should have picked Hali EVEN THOUGH we already have a bona fide stud in Trae Young at the point...

Most of these guys just don't want to be wrong in what they initially think a franchise should do and it goes against that. They can't reconcile it.

[AHF]

You guys nailed the general trend with these.  The C grades are people who thought we shouldn't have drafted someone behind JC and Capela (but who would have been good drafting someone behind Trae or behind our two lottery picks from last year) and the A grades were from people who thought Gwu was good value in the abstract.

Some of them offered better and more thoughtful analysis than that but that was the high level pattern.

[macdaddy]

If our rebuild is working then we don't have minutes to develop another rookie wing.   We have minutes for a vet wing.   

[lethalweapon3]

Pre-draft: BPA! BPA! BPA! The only thing that matters!

Post-draft: But but whaddabout Fit? C-minus.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturday/2020/11/20/21587658/bulls-arent-only-team-in-east-walk-out-of-draft-strutting

 

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Atlanta Hawks – Onyeka Okongwu is no doubt a solid top 10 pick, but the Hawks already have Clint Capela and John Collins, who basically do the same thing at the forward spot.

POST-DRAFT GRADE: C-

 

 

~lw3

[bleachkit]

OO will be a good one.

Edited November 20, 2020 by bleachkit

[Atlantaholic]

On 11/19/2020 at 10:32 AM, Sothron said:

I have some thoughts on this. The kid is the best defensive big man in the draft. Yes, we have Capella. It NEVER hurts to have elite defensive big men on a roster. The more the better. You do NOT know when injuries happen. 

I also have to point out the obvious: if Big O shows he's ready to start and is NBA elite then Capella becomes a trade piece. There is nothing wrong with that. Some of these bad draft grades are only talking about how he doesn't fit because we have Collins and Capella. There is no further logic applied to take into account injuries, rotation minutes for both C and PF and that Big O can play with either one of our starting bigs.

 

The reason we drafted the guy is because he was hands down the best player on our board, and if that's the case than definitely Schlenk saw this as a move that could lead to mroe moves considering the cuasi-log jam at the frontcourt with JC and Capella as no doubt about it starters. The way I see it Collins has one more season to prove he is worth the max, and if he does not and Okonguw shows he can project to be an elite defensive option at the PF position than we may move Collins or let him walk. 

[Atlantaholic]

On 11/19/2020 at 10:37 AM, JayBirdHawk said:

Alex Len, Damian Jones, Jabari Parker and Vince Carter - enough said.

Reading this had the same effect on me as thinking back on the tacos that gave me food poisoning a couple of weeks back. Thanks for that. 

[Atlantaholic]

7 minutes ago, Atlantaholic said:

The reason we drafted the guy is because he was hands down the best player on our board, and if that's the case than definitely Schlenk saw this as a move that could lead to mroe moves considering the cuasi-log jam at the frontcourt with JC and Capella as no doubt about it starters. The way I see it Collins has one more season to prove he is worth the max, and if he does not and Okonguw shows he can project to be an elite defensive option at the PF position than we may move Collins or let him walk. 

With how little trade value the 6th pick had this year, it's a smart move. 

[sturt]

I had Haliburton at the top of my draft shopping list. I had Christian Wood at the top of my free agency shopping list.

Have learned to always give Schlenk the benefit of a doubt when it comes to the draft. (Not as much free agency.)

This must be what it would have felt like as a kid, unwrapping a Christmas gift, but being told you have to wait a month before you can play with it.

[AHF]

8 minutes ago, sturt said:

I had Haliburton at the top of my draft shopping list. I had Christian Wood at the top of my free agency shopping list.

Have learned to always give Schlenk the benefit of a doubt when it comes to the draft. (Not as much free agency.)

This must be what it would have felt like as a kid, unwrapping a Christmas gift, but being told you have to wait a month before you can play with it.

There has to be some type of red flag on his sheet to explain the lack of interest.  He was someone I also wanted in FA and he seems to have come out swinging this season.  Looking great.

[gurpilo]

hace 13 minutos, AHF dijo:

There has to be some type of red flag on his sheet to explain the lack of interest.  He was someone I also wanted in FA and he seems to have come out swinging this season.  Looking great.

I stated that several times as well, Wood was the best big FA out there and I was feeling he could be signed 15m$ that finnally was the price. Considering we signed a 32 years old for 20 that will produce around the same offensively and on defense is worst Wood seemed like the best option. Additionally he would be a perfect insurance in casw Collins leaves and a better mate for Collins as he can play C as well. I don't understand why we signed Gallo instead of Wood.

On the draft my top choices were Okongwu and Haliburton, we went with Oneyka but I have to admit Inam worried considering Hali production and lack of size an shooting on Okongwu. I really hope he starts playing soon and remove all my concerns. Probably he will be lost on first games.

[bleachkit]

39 minutes ago, gurpilo said:

I stated that several times as well, Wood was the best big FA out there and I was feeling he could be signed 15m$ that finnally was the price. Considering we signed a 32 years old for 20 that will produce around the same offensively and on defense is worst Wood seemed like the best option. Additionally he would be a perfect insurance in casw Collins leaves and a better mate for Collins as he can play C as well. I don't understand why we signed Gallo instead of Wood.

On the draft my top choices were Okongwu and Haliburton, we went with Oneyka but I have to admit Inam worried considering Hali production and lack of size an shooting on Okongwu. I really hope he starts playing soon and remove all my concerns. Probably he will be lost on first games.

Hali has been tremendous so far. It's early, but his efficiency and BBIQ for a rookie is very impressive. @Gray Mule you nailed this one.