Christian Koloko

Born in Douala, Cameroon — the same city that produced Joel Embiid — Koloko followed a similar path through NBA Academy Africa before reaching the NBA through Arizona.

His 7-foot-4 wingspan on a 6-foot-11 frame gives him one of the most favorable defensive measurements in the league — a physical gift he maximizes with elite timing.

He was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in just his second college season — confirming his ceiling as a rim-protection specialist at the professional level.

The Hawks acquired Koloko as a bet on defensive upside — a center who can protect the rim and alter shots at a level that creates advantages for everyone around him.