Atlanta’s Two-Center Strength Could Define Their Season

  • By Tim Ogles

    Last Updated on November 23, 2025 4:54 pm by Tim Ogles | Published: November 23, 2025

    The Atlanta Hawks’ Center narrative this season has grown richer and more complex, thanks to the complementary talents of Onyeka Okongwu and Kristaps Porziņģis. The emergence of this two-center rotation shifts the dynamic in a promising direction. 

    Onyeka Okongwu remains stellar when called upon, especially in the games without Porziņģis. Okongwu averages 16.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on 52.6% field-goal shooting this season.  His ability to stretch the floor, shooting 41.9 percent from beyond the arc, and physicality in the paint give Atlanta a reliable backbone when Porziņģis sits.

    Porziņģis offers his own brilliance when healthy. He averages 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, connecting on 47.5% of his shots. Okongwu sat out the most recent game due to left ankle inflammation against the New Orleans Pelicans. Porziņģis carried the offense, delivering a season-high 29 points on 11-of-17 shooting with seven rebounds and four assists.

    The value of having two starting-caliber centers becomes clear in these scenarios. When Porziņģis sits, Okongwu does not just fill a void- he elevates the unit. Okongwu puts up 20.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per contest. His two-way presence helps stabilize both ends of the floor.

    When compared to “middle-of-the-road” starting centers around the league, Okongwu and Porziņģis’ significance becomes even clearer. League averages for starting centers tend to lag behind both of them. Starting fives average just 9.2 points and 6.6 boards per game. Okongwu and Porziņģis surpass these benchmarks comfortably.

    Okongwu’s defensive mobility and relentless energy bring a different look than Porziņģis, who relies more on length and timing to deter shots. Okongwu’s cuts, rim attacks, and newfound volume 3-point shooting free up space for teammates. When he is off the floor, Porziņģis operates as a traditional high-post playmaker and stretch-five. Porziņģis’ dominance in the Pelicans game underscores his vital role, but Atlanta easily pivots when Okongwu either replaces or even joins him on the floor.

    This tandem gives Atlanta valuable flexibility. They can deploy smaller, switchable lineups to match quicker opponents and lean into size when they need rebounding or rim protection. In clutch moments, having both fives healthy provides different late-game options – Okongwu for offensive boards and finishing, while Porziņģis dramatically improves spacing and rim deterrence.

    Okongwu and Porziņģis validate the Hawks’ decision to lean into a two-big frontcourt. Rather than settling for one traditional center or stretch-five, Atlanta possesses two versatile, starter-level centers whose combined skill sets offer a rare, modern advantage. This pairing becomes a defining feature of a Hawks team that seeks not just better results but a truly different identity in the Eastern Conference.

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    November 23, 2025, 4:54 pm