Onyeka Okongwu getting closer to making debut with Hawks

Atlanta Hawks rookie Onyeka Okongwu on Friday took another step toward returning to game action after the sixth overall pick participated in 5-on-5 practice, according to Kevin Chouinard of Hawks.com.

Okongwu was diagnosed with inflammation of the sesamoid bone on Nov. 20 and has not yet appeared in a game. Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce said last week that participating in 5-on-5 drills is one of the last steps to go through in order to be cleared to play so it appears he is close to debuting.

The 20-year-old recently confirmed the news that he is closing to returning after dropping an update on Dec. 29 to his nearly 27,000 followers on Twitter.

Okongwu earned First Team All-Pac 12 honors last season after averaging 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.2 steals. He emerged as perhaps the top defensive center in the country last season and has been touted for his potential to develop into a strong two-way player.

Without Okongwu, the Hawks have posted a 4-4 record but have dropped three straight and have recently gone through some turmoil between Trae Young and John Collins.

In any case, the Hawks’ prized rookie appears close to debuting soon.

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