6. Atlanta Hawks – Onyeka Okongwu, C
Every team in the league should be looking at Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat to see just how effective that player type can be in the modern NBA. One prospect who fits this prototype is Onyeka Okongwu.
Okongwu is an elite rim protector and versatile athlete. He doesn’t have overwhelming size but he is strong enough to bang in the post and can move his feet on the perimeter. Okongwu can be an all-around great defender at the NBA level.
As a freshman for USC, Okongwu averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.1 assists per game. This type of talent should have teams salivating for the chance to draft him – yet many mock drafts have Okongwu slipping out of the top five.
This would be perfect for the Hawks who desperately need some reliable weapons next to Trae Young. While they continue to work on developing Cam Reddish, John Collins and DeAndre Hunter, Okongwu can act as the finishing piece to the puzzle.