It’s apparent that the Atlanta Hawks are chasing championship supremacy now more than ever, and their recent trade for Luguentz Dort has increased their defensive potential exponentially.
Now that they have an incredibe trio on that end of Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Lu Dort, how will the Hawks compare to the league’s upper echelon of defenders?
The league’s ever-changing defensive landscape
After watching the 2026 NBA Playoffs, we all know the league's best defenses belong to the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs, the newly crowned New York Knicks, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
All three teams are undeniable championship contenders in their respective conferences, and their commonality is their world-class defenders.
New York has OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. OKC has Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace. San Antonio has the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
For the Atlanta Hawks, of course, they have Daniels and Alexander-Walker. However, they were not enough to stop certain teams from exploding on offense. Having defensive depth is very important, and now that Dort is on the team, there are three reliable bodies they can throw at their opponents and ferocious double-teams.
It’s optionality that the Hawks haven’t had in years, a word that General Manager Onsi Saleh has preached every day since his promotion.
How good will the Hawks be defensively?
Thanks to Saleh’s efforts, the Atlanta Hawks will likely have a top-ten defense in the league next season. On paper, they have everything necessary to do it. They ranked 15th in defensive rating during the postseason, and their new acquisitions will surely help them rise up the ranks.
Dort is a former champion, and his experience will only provide more guidance for this young Hawks team. Since it’s apparent that he will make an impact on defense, his three-point shooting will be a massive bonus.
Not only will they provide one of the best defensive duos in the league, but Lu has also proven himself as a solid three-point shooter. He shot 34.1% last season, but he shot 41% during their championship run in 2025. It could easily be replicated in Atlanta’s system, and it's divine timing after trading a struggling shooter in Zaccharie Risacher.
Saleh should also be commended for replacing him with a better shooter who can also lock up an opponent on the other end. Regardless of how people feel about the Hawks' offseason, their defensive improvements next year will be undeniable.
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