Atlanta Hawks

Onyeka Okongwu has brought a little bit more to the table this season. His ability to make midrange shots has helped the Hawks this season. But in the overall context of Okongwu's game, it serves as a side dish and not a main course at that table.

"Personally, for me, I just want to remember that&nbsp;I want to catch lobs, I want to dunk the ball. I want to play defense. I want to keep to the basics."

Still, the transformation is a remarkable one if only because we didn't get to see many hints at it last season. Last season, Okongwu went 0 for 1 on shots that the NBA categorizes as mid-range shots – shots outside the paint but inside the three-point line. The only real clue Okongwu left was a proclamation from his 2021-22 exit interview, when he said, "The next time you see me, I&nbsp;will&nbsp;have a jump shot."

This season, Okongwu has converted on 21 of 38 mid-range attempts (55.3 percent). When asked if that part of his game is going to stick long-term, Okongwu flipped the question back around good-naturedly, "What do you think?"

For the record, I think it is here to stay.

Through games played on Dec. 26, 120 players have taken 30 or more mid-range attempts, or roughly one per game to this point of the season. Of those 120 players, Okongwu ranks 8th in percentage made.

"I've always had good touch, man, and the confidence to go out there and shoot it, no matter if I miss it or not," Okongwu said. "Just don't be indecisive. Just keep shooting it. That's how I feel out there. But I like it. It's coming along pretty nicely."

"That was something that we felt that he could&nbsp;do when we drafted him," McMillan said. "This year, you're seeing that he has that potential to knock down that shot. We're comfortable with him shooting that shot."

Again, the jump shot is just a small part of what Okongwu adds. He is in the game for his interior defensive play, and that play has picked up to a peak level in recent weeks. In his last five games, including three without starting center Clint Capela, Okongwu has stepped into the void, averaging 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Against Chicago Wednesday, he had 18 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. Playing more with Trae Young, those 18 points included six dunks, including two in the final minutes of a closely contested game.&nbsp;

"He has been playing really well this year," Trae Young said. "It's a different mentality whenever you're coming off the bench than when you're in the starting lineup. It should be the same, but I know it just has a different feeling. With O, the way he stepped in while Clint was out was really good for us.&nbsp; I think the first couple of games we were just kind of getting adjusted, but he is still playing the same way that he has been playing all year, getting rebounds and his&nbsp;little touch shots around the basket are good for us. He has just been playing really well for us and we're going to need that from him the rest of the way."&nbsp;

Will the addition of the jump shot change any other aspects of Okongwu's&nbsp;game? For now, he tends to be open for the shots, but as teams adapt and scout him, a change could be on the way soon. "If I keep making it, teams will have to respect it more," Okongwu said.

If teams pull their defensive anchors further from the rim to deal with Okongwu, it could pay dividends elsewhere. The fact that he will often be on the floor with guards like Bogdan Bogdanovic and AJ Griffin could help him develop a dribble-handoff game that has already shown some nice nuance.&nbsp;

"That's always a part of where he should be" McMillan said. "It's just that (one factor) is the players that he is playing with out&nbsp;there. Bogi is more of a dribble-handoff player with a big. (Dejounte) and Trae are more pick-and-roll. It's really about the personnel that he is out there with."

Perhaps that facet of his skillset will be the next one that Okongwu gets to display in games. But if not, he has already shown plenty in terms of defensive coverage, offensive rebounding and rim-rolling. The fact that he has added a top tier jump shot to all of that reveals exactly the craftsman that he is.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Onyeka Okongwu Adds Another Layer to his Game 

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Dejounte Murray Drops 26 Points vs. Detroit Pistons

New Sculpture Uses 404 Pounds of Aluminum and Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Award-Winning Partnership

ATLANTA –&nbsp;Before Wednesday night’s game, the Hawks and Novelis unveiled “FULL COURT PRESS”, a sculpture made up of nearly 404 lbs. of upcycled aluminum cups and cans in the shape of the primary Hawks logo. The piece is located on the Terrace level by the Gate 2 entrance at State Farm Arena.&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to unveil this sculpture in partnership with Novelis,” said Andrew Saltzman, Chief Revenue Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “We trust that this will serve as a reminder to all our fans how critical sustainability is to the future of our planet.”

“FULL COURT PRESS” celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Hawks’ partnership with Novelis, the world's largest recycler of aluminum, which officially launched on National Recycling Day in 2021. This sculpture symbolizes a circular economy where maximum effort is employed to make sure precious resources are recycled and reused, rather than discarded as waste.

“Seeing fans’ aluminum cans and cups live on in this piece of art adds a unique step to the circular economy Novelis is building with the Hawks and State Farm Arena,” said Tom Boney, EVP and President of Novelis North America. “This piece of art is a testament to the versatility and sustainability of aluminum products, and I hope it inspires more fans to recycle their aluminum.”

The Hawks and Novelis worked with Taylor Means, a local visual artist, to highlight the organizations’ shared vision around sustainability. The artwork was conceived and facilitated by Atlanta Art Consultant, Amy Parry.

“It was an honor for me to collaborate with the Hawks and Novelis,” said Means. “It took Hawks fans making a collective effort to recycle these cans and cups and make this sculpture come to life.”

In April 2022, Green Business Certification Inc., the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body, announced that State Farm Arena earned TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Platinum certification. With this achievement, State Farm Arena is now the only and world’s first sports and live entertainment venue to receive TRUE certification. Since May 2021, the venue has consistently diverted a minimum of 90 percent of all waste from landfills.

To learn more about the Hawks’ partnership with Novelis and the story behind the design and artist, go to&nbsp;Hawks.com/FullCourtPress.

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Hawks and Novelis Join Together to Unveil ‘Full Court Press’ at State Farm Arena

Team’s Assistant Coach Nick Van Exel and Players Trent Forrest, Jalen Johnson, Vít Krejčí and Tyrese Martin Were Joined By Volunteers from the Hawks, Santa for a Day and Atlanta Housing to Distribute Gifts to 60 Children at Holiday Party&nbsp;

ATLANTA –&nbsp;Earlier today at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center and Aquatic Center, the Atlanta Hawks teamed up with Santa for a Day&nbsp;and Atlanta Housing, the largest public housing authority in Georgia, to provide 60 underserved youth with gifts in advance of the holidays. Santa for a Day is a non-religious, nonprofit organization that answers letters to Santa from underserved children, ages 5-12, who are living in public housing properties. On site to help distribute gifts was Hawks Assistant Coach Nick Van Exel, along with players Trent Forrest, Jalen Johnson, Vít Krejčí and Tyrese Martin.&nbsp;

“We are so honored to once again collaborate with ‘Santa for a Day’ and Atlanta Housing to make wishes come true for some of Atlanta’s youth,” said Hawks’ Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Basketball Programs&nbsp;Jon Babul. “Through this event and with the help of our players and assistant coach, we have provided an unforgettable experience that youth in attendance will cherish forever.”

With help from volunteers from the Hawks, Santa for a Day and Atlanta Housing, children were ushered to various activation areas. These areas included participating in a toy distribution, photo station, a movie room and a game room which included coloring sheets and table games. On site were also members of Hawks Entertainment including Harry the Hawk and the ATL Hawks Dancers.&nbsp;

“There is something really special about seeing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child whose wish just came true,” said Eugene E. Jones, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Housing. Jones also sits on the board of Santa for a Day and was key in forging the partnership between Santa for a Day and Atlanta Housing. “Our mission is a wholistic one that starts and ends with people. Serving families, especially children, is at the heart of what we do.”

This is the second consecutive holiday season where the Atlanta Hawks and Santa for a Day partnered together to supply gifts for underserved children. Today’s event concluded their larger two-part initiative to provide holiday cheer and gifts to nearly 400 children. In October, more than 80 children participated in a special wish list letter-writing event where they wrote letters addressed to Santa, asking for the gifts that they wanted for the holidays.&nbsp;

“Working with the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Housing has been absolutely incredible, and I am so proud of the impact we’ve made together these last two years,” said Rich Gentile, Founder of Santa for a Day. “Seeing the smiles on these children’s faces is what Christmas is all about, and the fact that we were able to spread that joy to 60 kids is amazing. I am extremely thankful for all of our wonderful donors, volunteers and partners that help our organization grant as many wishes as possible.”

Today’s event is part of the Hawks’ Season of Giving initiatives, which tipped off with an event at Meals On Wheels Atlanta in November for a special pantry-stocking service event. The organization’s efforts continued, with help from UPS, in which more than 400 families were provided free Thanksgiving Day groceries at MARTA’s West End Station. Earlier this month, the Hawks and Georgia’s Own Credit Union teamed up with Vision To Learn to provide nearly 60 elementary school students with new prescription eyeglasses vision screenings. Earlier this week, Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz, volunteers from the Atlanta Hawks and members of the Lady Hawks came together to distribute gifts and spread holiday cheer to nearly 60 students at The Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition-free, private school for children who have experienced homelessness.&nbsp;

For more information about the Hawks’ efforts in the community, visit&nbsp;Hawks.com/community.

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Hawks Provide Unforgettable Holiday Experience for Underserved Youth

Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz, Volunteers from the Hawks and Members of the Lady Hawks Distribute Gifts to Youth at Special School 

ATLANTA – Earlier today, Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz, volunteers from the Atlanta Hawks and members of the Lady Hawks came together to distribute gifts and spread holiday cheer to nearly 60 students at The Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition-free, private school for children who have experienced homelessness.

The Lady Hawks are a women’s auxiliary group comprised of the wives, significant others and mothers of Hawks players, coaches, basketball operations staff and management. Joining the Hawks volunteers and the Lady Hawks to participate in the day’s festivities were members of Hawks Entertainment including Harry the Hawk and the ATL Hawks Dancers.

“Giving back in meaningful ways is a&nbsp;guiding principle&nbsp;for&nbsp;how we&nbsp;remain&nbsp;True to Atlanta and today,&nbsp;we hope that we created moments of joy for some of our city’s most-deserving youth,” said Gertz. “With help from our Hawks volunteers and the Lady Hawks,&nbsp;we&nbsp;hope we spread&nbsp;some cheer that&nbsp;they will cherish this holiday season.”

To kick off Hawks for the Holidays, an Angel Tree with ornaments was placed at the Hawks corporate office to encourage employees to adopt a student’s holiday wish list and sponsor their gift. The ornaments included the student’s name, age, clothing and shoe sizes as well as items on their wish list and their favorite color. Gifts purchased were placed into holiday bags, labeled with the students’ names and filled with mini gifts and treats.

At today’s event, members of the Lady Hawks and Hawks volunteers presented the gifts they purchased for the respective student’s holiday wish list they adopted. 

“Our students have had their share of hardships, but somehow always find a way to rise above them. For us, it was important to support their families and work with our community to make sure they had the best holiday we could give them,” said Dr. Leah Skinner, Head of School at The Boyce L. Ansley School. “Today the Hawks helped us do more than that. Students received gifts and memories that will last them a lifetime. Saying we are appreciative would be an understatement. Knowing that we have the support of our community behind us, not only gives us the resources needed to support our budding program, but also sends the message that it truly takes a village to support those in need and our village is strong!”

Today’s “Hawks for the Holidays” event is part of the Hawks’ Season of Giving initiatives, which tipped off with an event at Meals On Wheels Atlanta in November for a special pantry-stocking service event. The organization’s efforts continued, with help from UPS, in which more than 400 families were provided free Thanksgiving Day groceries at MARTA’s West End Station.

Earlier this month, the Hawks and Georgia’s Own Credit Union teamed up with Vision To Learn to provide nearly 60 elementary school students with new prescription eyeglasses and vision screenings. 

To learn more about the Hawks’ work in the community, visit&nbsp;Hawks.com/community.

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Hawks Spread Holiday Cheer to 60 Students at The Boyce L. Ansley School in Atlanta

Tickets for the 10-Team High School Basketball Showcase Are On Sale Now at&nbsp;HawksNaismith.com

ATLANTA –&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Tipoff Club, administrators of the Naismith Awards, today announced that they will host the ‘Hawks-Naismith Holiday Classic presented by adidas’ at Norcross High School (Norcross, Ga.) this Saturday, Dec. 10. The showcase is comprised of 10 high school basketball teams, featuring four girls teams and six boys teams.

“The Hawks-Naismith Holiday Classic presented by adidas provides a unique opportunity to unite and celebrate the Georgia basketball community,” said Hawks’ Vice President of Basketball Development Jon Babul. “We are excited to host this showcase with the Atlanta Tipoff Club for a fifth year.”

Tickets for the Hawks-Naismith Holiday Classic presented by adidas are on sale now at&nbsp;HawksNaismith.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. All youth under the age of six will be permitted to enter free of charge. Additionally, all students (K-12) and youth who attend will receive a free Hawks t-shirt.

“The Hawks-Naismith Holiday Classic has become a seasonal tradition in the Atlanta area,” said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “The games feature some of the best teams in the metro area and we are proud to be a part of this annual tradition with our hometown professional basketball team, promoting the sport of basketball.”

Prior to the Holiday Classic, Hawks’ partner and personal injury attorney, Ken Nugent, will sponsor a free Jr. Hawks Youth Basketball Clinic for nearly 80 boys and girls, ages eight to 14. The clinic is set to take place Saturday, Dec. 10 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Norcross High School. In addition, Nugent will continue the Attorney Ken Nugent’s Score for Scholarships program at the showcase, in which Nugent will contribute a $1 donation for every point scored during the event to further help local youth attend various activities organized by the Hawks Basketball Academy.&nbsp;

The showcase will begin with two girls’ games, starting with Kell High School (Marietta, Ga.) and Brookwood High School (Snellville, Ga.) at 1:30 p.m., followed by Lovejoy High School (Hampton, Ga.) versus Norcross High School (Norcross, Ga.) at 3:15 p.m. Then, the boys’ teams will finish out the day beginning with Kell High School versus The Mount Vernon School (Atlanta) at 5:00 p.m. At 6:45 p.m., Berkmar High School (Lilburn, Ga.) will take on Grayson High School (Loganville, Ga.). The last game of the day will be between Newton High School (Covington, Ga.) and Norcross High School at 8:30 p.m.

The Hawks and Atlanta Tipoff Club have teamed up for seven showcases in the past, including the Hawks-Naismith Tipoff Classic, which returned after a three-year hiatus for a 12-team showcase that took place last month on Saturday, Nov. 19. Past venues include Norcross High School, Pace Academy, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and Maynard Jackson High School. Throughout the event’s history, 160 teams have participated, which includes more than 2,000 male and female athletes.&nbsp;

Every second of game action will be live streamed at thesuvtv.com/hawksnaismithclassic. Additional updates and information can be found by visiting HawksNaismith.com or by following @HawksNaismith on Twitter.

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Hawks and Atlanta Tipoff Club reveal Schedule for ‘Hawks-Naismith Holiday Classic Presented by Adidas’ this Saturday, Dec.10

Jarrett Culver had some familiarity with his new Hawks teammates before he signed his two-way contract in September.

Culver grew up in Lubbock, Texas and stayed in his hometown to attend college at Texas Tech, which is where Rayford Young, Trae's dad, played college basketball.

"I kind of grew up with Trae," Culver said. "His dad is from Lubbock, so we knew each other since high school."

Culver was also familiar with De'Andre Hunter from when his Texas Tech team faced Hunter's University of Virginia squad in the&nbsp;2019 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game.&nbsp;

"We don't talk about that too much. I'm hurt about that one," the&nbsp;23-year-old said, laughing and grimacing simultaneously. "We talked about it a little bit: we talked about each other's teams, but we didn't talk much about that game. De'Andre is a great guy. I'm glad that I got to meet him. He's a great teammate and a great man."

At shootaround Wednesday prior to a game against the Orlando&nbsp;Magic, Culver had an inkling that he might be playing more soon. The constant message to stay ready had gotten louder.

"(The&nbsp;coaches) were telling me to stay ready more than they have at other shootarounds, so I started getting signs that I might be playing."

When the&nbsp;23-year-old&nbsp;was needed following injuries to Hunter and John Collins in Orlando, he produced instantly. He came off the bench to help the Hawks with 9 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, an impressive feat for a 6-foot-6 guard/forward.

"I'm making sure that I box out, and I'm making sure that I crash the glass," Culver said. "I'm coming in and trying to get as many rebounds as I can so that we can get out and run. I can dribble, too, so I'm pushing that pace when I get a rebound."

Culver got his first start for the Hawks in Friday's win against the Denver Nuggets at State Farm Arena.&nbsp;

"I watched him about a month ago in the G League, and I was really impressed with how he played. That was the Jarrett that I remember in The League. I was looking for an opportunity to get him some time out on the floor, and he has played well. To have him step in when we've had so many injuries has really helped us these last two games,” Coach McMillan said.&nbsp;

Anyone looking for evidence of how Culver played need look no further than the Hawks' first possession of the game. Dejounte Murray swung a pass from one side of the floor to the other, and Culver&nbsp;pounced on a drive&nbsp;before the defense could adjust. In fact, he had his feet moving toward the basket even before the ball hit his hands.

"That is something that we try to teach: play on catch. You pass, shoot or attack. You don't catch and hold and let the defense recover. I thought we played that way (against Denver). We had some really good ball movement in our offense, and the open man was getting the ball,” Coach McMillan said.&nbsp;

Culver finished the Denver win with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, while giving the Hawks a lot to like on the defensive end, too. The former No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft takes an open-minded attitude to the court.

"(Orlando) was my&nbsp;first&nbsp;game really playing like real minutes, so I was just out there for whatever Coach needed. That's the kind of guy I am, though: 'Whatever you need, Coach, let me go do it. If you want me to rebound, pass, shoot, I'll go do it.' "

When the Hawks get healthier, there is a reasonable chance that Culver will return to a reduced role. But in the time while he remains playing heavier minutes, Culver is&nbsp;giving the team everything that he can – and it has worked thus far. After his media scrum Saturday, someone asked Culver about a purple, wound-looking mark that covered a fairly significant amount of his forearm.

Culver looked down and replied matter-of-factly, "court burn".

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Culver finding footing in Atlanta

Atlanta-Based Four-Man Lyrical Group – CeeLo Green, Khujo, T-Mo and Big Gipp – To Provide

‘Soul Food’ For Fans In Attendance at the Hawks’ Game on Sunday, Nov. 27

ATLANTA –&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks today announced that legendary Atlanta rap group Goodie Mob will perform for the first time at the Hawks home game on Sunday, Nov. 27 against the Miami HEAT. Over the past 30 years, the four-man lyrical group, which consists of CeeLo Green, Khujo, T-Mo and Big Gipp, has added tremendously to the development of the culture of hip-hop and been recognized as being innovative, incisive, impactful and inspirational.&nbsp;

The Hawks game, which is set for a 5 p.m. tipoff on Sunday, Nov. 27, marks the third of 10 games this season in which the team will wear their PEACH 2022-23 Nike NBA City Edition uniform and play on the corresponding hardwood court.&nbsp;

“Words cannot express how honored we are to be performing before our hometown at State Farm Arena,” said Goodie Mob. “Just the thought of being recognized by the Atlanta Hawks organization for our outstanding contributions to the culture of Atlanta is certified icing on the cake!”

The RIAA Gold-certified Goodie Mob is one of the few Southern rap groups to earn respect from hip-hop’s fans and critics who count their 1995 debut, ‘Soul Food’, as among the genre’s best albums ever. Goodie Mob is also known for their singles ‘Frontline’, ‘Dirty South’, ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Cell Therapy’. The latter of which topped the U.S. Rap charts after its debut.

“We are thrilled to have Goodie Mob perform at a Hawks game,” said Melissa Proctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Hawks. “Goodie Mob has been integral in the culture of this city and having them perform in our building is the definition of being TRUE TO ATLANTA.”

Last week, the Hawks officially debuted their PEACH 2022-23 Nike NBA City Edition uniform during the team’s home game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Hawks’ newest uniform pays the ultimate respect to Georgia, ‘The Peach State,’ while uplifting the Hawks mantra of being ‘True To Atlanta’.&nbsp;

Limited tickets remain for the Hawks game on Sunday, Nov. 27. Secure your tickets today at Hawks.com/tickets.