Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce on Tuesday offered an encouraging update regarding the rehabilitation of rookie Onyeka Okongwu from a left foot injury.
Okongwu, who was the sixth overall pick, was diagnosed with inflammation of the sesamoid bone on Nov. 20 and did not play with the Hawks during the preseason. He was ruled out of playing in at least the first two games of the regular season and has yet to take the court with the Hawks.
Pierce said Okongwu has been cleared to work toward live contact workouts, according to Sarah Spencer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Okongwu played in a 3-on-3 scrimmage on Tuesday and is currently building up to being able to play in full 5-on-5 scrimmages.
The 20-year-old seemingly confirmed the positive update provided by Pierce on Tuesday, taking to Twitter to give his nearly 26,000 followers the good news.
Almost that time đź‘€
— Onyeka Okongwu (@BigO21_) December 29, 2020
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 improved to 3-0 on the season after defeating the Detroit Pistons on Monday, and are now one of just two unbeaten teams (Orlando Magic) remaining in the NBA.
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