Onyeka Okongwu stands out as one of the most promising young talents in the NBA today. The Atlanta Hawks center has transformed from a promising high school prospect who played alongside the Ball brothers at Chino Hills to a key contributor for one of the Eastern Conference’s competitive teams.
His journey includes overcoming personal tragedies, building a successful professional career, and securing financial stability through his basketball talents.
Onyeka Okongwu’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Onyeka Okongwu |
| Date of Birth | December 11, 2000 |
| Age | 24 years old |
| Education | Chino Hills High School (2019), USC (2020) |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Height | 6’9″ – 6’10” |
| Weight | 239-245 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 2020 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-5 Million |
| Current Salary | $14,000,000 |
| Career Earnings | $40,525,137+ |
| Marital Status | Single |
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| @BigO21_ |
Early Career
Onyeka Okongwu’s basketball journey began at age eight when he started playing for Edge Basketball, a club program that helped develop his fundamental skills.
His passion for the game grew largely through the influence of his older brother Nnamdi, who tragically passed away in a skateboarding accident in 2014 when Onyeka was just 13 years old.
This devastating loss became a driving force in his basketball career, with Onyeka wearing a wristband honoring his brother throughout his playing days.
Okongwu had moved to the RC Rebels program, continuing to refine his skills before entering high school. His talent became evident during his time at Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside future NBA players Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball.
As a freshman, he helped lead the team to a perfect 35-0 record and a California state championship, sharing MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year honors with LaMelo Ball while averaging 7.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.
Okongwu’s high school career continued to flourish as he developed into one of the nation’s premier prospects. He earned back-to-back California Mr. Basketball honors in his junior and senior seasons, establishing himself as a five-star recruit according to ESPN and Rivals. His combination of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess made him one of the most sought-after players in his recruiting class.
Professional Career
Following his successful high school career, Okongwu committed to USC for his college basketball career. During his lone season with the Trojans, he made an immediate impact, starting all 28 games and averaging 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
His dominant freshman campaign included setting USC’s freshman record with 76 blocks and earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. He recorded 11 double-doubles and had memorable performances, including a 33-point game against Pepperdine and a debut featuring 20 points, 13 rebounds, and eight blocks.
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After declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft, Okongwu was selected sixth overall by the Atlanta Hawks, beginning his professional career. His rookie season was limited by injuries, appearing in 50 games while averaging 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds. However, he showed flashes of his potential during the Hawks’ surprising playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Okongwu’s development has been steady throughout his NBA career. He gradually increased his role with the Hawks, becoming a reliable contributor both as a starter and coming off the bench.
The 2024-25 season has been particularly strong for him, as he became the first Hawks player in franchise history to record at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game off the bench during a victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Onyeka Okongwu’s Net Worth Details
Onyeka Okongwu’s net worth is estimated to be $1-5 million as of 2025.
Contract
His contract situation represents one of the most significant aspects of his financial portfolio. In 2024, Okongwu signed a four-year rookie extension worth $61,980,000 with the Atlanta Hawks, demonstrating the team’s confidence in his development and future contributions.
This contract extension ensures financial security through the 2027-28 season, with an average annual value of approximately $15.5 million. The deal is fully guaranteed, providing Okongwu with long-term stability as he continues developing his game.
Salary
His salary progression shows steady growth throughout his career. For the 2024-25 season, Okongwu earns $14,000,000, representing a significant 72.64% increase from his previous season’s salary of approximately $8.1 million.
This substantial raise reflects his improved performance and expanded role with the Hawks. His salary makes him the 116th highest-paid NBA player for the current season and the fourth highest-paid player on the Atlanta Hawks roster.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Atlanta Hawks | $5,813,640 |
| 2021-22 | Atlanta Hawks | $6,104,280 |
| 2022-23 | Atlanta Hawks | $6,395,160 |
| 2023-24 | Atlanta Hawks | $8,109,063 |
| 2024-25 | Atlanta Hawks | $14,000,000 |
| 2025-26 | Atlanta Hawks | $15,000,000 |
| 2026-27 | Atlanta Hawks | $16,100,000 |
| 2027-28 | Atlanta Hawks | $16,880,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | GP | GS | MIN | PTS | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 50 | 4 | 12.0 | 4.6 | 64.4% | 0.0% | 63.2% | 3.3 | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| 2021-22 | 48 | 6 | 20.7 | 8.2 | 69.0% | 0.0% | 72.7% | 5.9 | 1.1 | 1.3 |
| 2022-23 | 80 | 18 | 23.1 | 9.9 | 63.8% | 30.8% | 78.1% | 7.2 | 1.0 | 1.3 |
| 2023-24 | 55 | 8 | 25.5 | 10.2 | 61.1% | 33.3% | 79.3% | 6.8 | 1.3 | 1.1 |
| 2024-25 | 56 | 22 | 25.1 | 12.0 | 56.7% | 28.0% | 74.8% | 7.9 | 2.0 | 0.9 |
FAQs
1.What is Onyeka Okongwu’s current salary with the Atlanta Hawks?
Okongwu currently earns $14,000,000 for the 2024-25 NBA season, representing a significant increase from his previous salary. His earnings will continue to rise through his contract extension, reaching $16,880,000 in the final year of his current deal in 2027-28.
2. How much is Onyeka Okongwu’s contract extension worth?
He signed a four-year rookie extension with the Atlanta Hawks worth $61,980,000, fully guaranteed through the 2027-28 season. This contract demonstrates the Hawks’ commitment to his development and provides him with long-term financial security averaging approximately $15.5 million annually.
3. What tragedy affected Okongwu’s early life and basketball career?
His older brother Nnamdi died in a skateboarding accident in 2014 when Onyeka was 13 years old. This loss profoundly impacted him, and he honors his brother’s memory by wearing a commemorative wristband during games and dedicating his basketball success to Nnamdi’s legacy.
4. Where did Onyeka Okongwu play college basketball?
He played one season at the University of Southern California, where he had an outstanding freshman year averaging 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. His performance earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors and helped establish him as a top NBA draft prospect.
5. What community work has Okongwu been involved in recently?
He won the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award in November 2024 for his work with organizations supporting people who have lost loved ones. He partners with Kate’s Club and Camp STARS, helping children and families work through grief, drawing from his personal experiences with loss.
