Onyeka Okongwu To Houston Rockets
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Jae’Sean Tate, F KJ Martin, 2023 First-Round Pick (MIL via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: C Onyeka Onkongwu
Some Houston Rockets fans may have been shocked by their team’s starting lineup on opening night.
After all, Alperen Sengun appeared primed for the job. Instead, it went to Bruno Fernando. On the other hand, it makes sense. The Rockets run two attacking guards in their starting lineup – having a lob threat instead of a passing hub compliments them. Moreover, Sengun struggles mightily on the defensive end.
Moreover, Fernando delivered a strong performance. Still, it’s hard not to wonder if he’s truly a starting caliber big. If the Rockets want a long-term starter with his qualities, why not target Onkongwu?
Meanwhile, Onkongwu has been stuck behind Clint Cappella in the Atlanta Hawks’ rotation for years now. This deal brings them a quality defensive wing in Tate as well as the hyper-athletic Martin.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks & Houston Rockets Updates
Finally, it allows them to get some draft capital after sending so much to the Spurs in exchange for Dejounte Murray.
Some Houston Rockets fans will certainly deem this an overreaction. After all, shouldn’t they be tanking for Wembanyama too? Perhaps.
At the same time, they could be at a stage of their rebuild where they’re ready to make progress. If so, Onkongwu seems like exactly the type of big man they think will help them do so.
