Onyeka Okongwu is delivering the most complete stretch of his career, but the Atlanta Hawks may have to navigate without him as he deals with right knee soreness.

Okongwu was listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. With Kristaps Porziņģis also appearing on the injury report, the Hawks could be thin in the frontcourt and may need to rely on Mouhamed Gueye or consider recalling N’Faly Dante from the G League if both bigs are unable to play.

The uncertainty comes during the strongest offensive stretch of Okongwu’s career. He has averaged 15.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 14 games this season while shooting 38.7% from three — a dramatic shift for a player who attempted only 16 three-pointers across his first three seasons. Over his last three games, he has averaged 26.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists, including 27 points and five assists in Sunday’s win over Phoenix.

Okongwu said his leap traces back to the goals he set before the season.

“Overall it’s just to be better than my last (season),” Okongwu said. “Each season I just want to improve on something: efficiency, shooting, something. I just want to see progress on my game.”

He said he expanded his offseason work to prepare for taking on more responsibility.

“All aspects,” Okongwu said. “Whatever I can do to, you know, help my team get better... I mean, everything. Handling, shooting, dribbling, defense, making sure my body is in shape.”

Even with his increased perimeter shooting — 62 attempts this season after only 16 in his first three years — he continues to score efficiently at the basket, converting 78% of his attempts within three feet. His decision-making has also improved as he operates more often above the break in pick-and-pop and dribble-handoff actions.

Okongwu’s leadership has grown alongside his role. With younger teammates stepping into larger minutes, he said he tries to offer perspective based on his own early seasons.

“I just told him like, ‘Enjoy it all. It goes by fast,’” Okongwu said. “You know, I still remember my first media day years ago… you’re going to have your growing pains, but no matter what, keep your confidence.”

That mentality extends to the entire roster, he said, as the Hawks continue integrating new players and adjusting to shifting responsibilities.

“We’re here to work,” Okongwu said. “You know, we got a bunch of new guys coming in who weren’t here last year. So, I think we’re all just trying to buy in to the success of the team, no matter what that is.”

His first four seasons included coaching changes, injury setbacks and roster turnover. Okongwu said those experiences taught him the value of patience — something he still leans on now.

“Patience, you know,” Okongwu said. “And it’s a long season. Eighty-two games, you know, I’ve dealt with… last few years, coaching changes, roster changes, health, you know, I’m going through it all. So, overall, I just got to, you know, be patient on myself, be patient with whatever the situation is...”

Whether he plays Tuesday will determine how the Hawks manage their frontcourt. But his expanded shooting, positional versatility and leadership presence have made him indispensable — and one of the brightest developments of Atlanta’s season.