Onyeka Okongwu has defied expectations with his shooting development in recent years.
It is often said about NBA players that their value would increase ‘if he could just shoot’. The hope is usually futile, as NBA players rarely learn how to shoot after years of poor shooting.
Most players who reach the NBA have tried to become shooters at some point. If they are not shooters by the time they reach the big leagues, it is likely they will remain non-shooters.
From Non-Shooter to Stretch Five
Onyeka Okongwu entered the league as a complete non-shooter. He only made four three-pointers in his first three seasons. However, in his sixth season as a professional, he is shooting 38.5% on 5.4 three-pointers per game.
The three-year leap from Okongwu is historic, with the most remarkable development occurring this season. Just last year, he shot 32.4% from deep on 2.0 attempts a game, which was below average.
Fans questioned whether it was worthwhile for Okongwu to shoot. He became the franchise leader in true shooting percentage from his inside scoring, not his deep shooting. There was little reason to believe he would become a positive three-point shooter, even entering this season.
Impossible Made Possible
Okongwu has increased both the volume and efficiency of his deep shot this season. His percentage rose by over 6%, making him an above-average shooter. He also more than doubled his attempts per 100 possessions compared to last year.
Hawks voice Brad Rowland put Okongwu’s shooting leap into context. Three years ago, or even at the beginning of this season, would anyone have expected Okongwu to make more three-pointers than Karl-Anthony Towns despite Towns playing more minutes this season?
Only one centre has made more triples than Okongwu this season (Myles Turner).
- Okongwu made more 3’s than Karl-Anthony Towns in fewer minutes played.
- Only one center has made more triples than Okongwu this season (Myles Turner).
Okongwu has transitioned from a non-shooter to one of the league’s most dangerous stretch fives in just a few seasons.