When the Atlanta Hawks filled their third two-way spot with G League journeyman Daeqwon Plowden, most fans had tempered expectations for the 26-year-old rookie. In his NBA debut against the Chicago Bulls, Plowden absolutely shattered those expectations.
Plowden got his first taste of NBA action on a night when only 10 players were available for the Hawks. Atlanta was without its top three scorers in Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and De’Andre Hunter. No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher also missed a game for the first time this season.
In an incredible turn of events, Plowden came off the bench and scored 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting in 25 minutes. He made the first seven shot attempts of his NBA career before finally missing his last try of the game. The 6-foot-6 swingman also grabbed three offensive rebounds and ended the night with a +9 plus-minus.
Plowden broke the Hawks record for made 3-pointers in a rookie debut with five threes on six tries. His five triples marked the third-most by any player ever in their NBA debut.
Even after etching his name into the Atlanta record books, Plowden stayed humble in his postgame interview with FanDuel Sports Network.
“I think I was just prepared to come in and do whatever it takes to get a ‘W,’” Plowden said. “My teammates supported me in every shot that I took … Playing in the G League, it really prepped me for this moment right now.”
Daeqwon Plowden’s time in the G League has fueled his development
The night before his epic NBA debut, Plowden dropped 20 points in a G League win over Cleveland for the College Park Skyhawks. He has taken strides with the Skyhawks all season, and he has averaged a career-high 16.6 points in seven outings since he signed with Atlanta in late December.
After a G League practice on January 7, Plowden spoke to Soaring Down South about his potential role as a 3-and-D wing for the Hawks.
“I think that’s a staple where I’ll kind of marquee my game and try to grow from there as I grow in the organization,” Plowden said. “But I think to start out, yes for sure, I’ll be a 3-and-D (player).”
Last week, I talked to two-way rookie Daeqwon Plowden about bringing a 3-and-D presence to the Atlanta Hawks. Eight days later, he nailed five 3-pointers in his NBA debut. pic.twitter.com/muyOLPkMWg
— Ben Grunert (@BenGrunertBball) January 16, 2025
Plowden has worked as hard as anybody to reach this spot in his career. He spent two years in the G League before starting his third season as a pro in College Park. He also played five years of college hoops for Bowling Green, breaking the school record for most games played and making multiple All-MAC teams.
Keaton Wallace, who hit a game-winner for the Skyhawks against Cleveland, enjoyed the performance of his life playing alongside Plowden and the short-handed Hawks. Wallace scored a career-high 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting with six assists, four steals, and a game-high +29 plus-minus.
Wallace and Plowden have played and trained together as Skyhawks teammates all season, but Atlanta’s two-way duo played hero for the Hawks this time around. They finished as Atlanta’s top two scorers with a combined 46 points on 17-of-26 (65.4%) shooting.
Keaton: 27 PTS | 6 AST | 6 REB | 4 STL
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 16, 2025
Daeqwon: 19 PTS | 7-8 FG | 5-6 3-PT FG
What a night for these two pic.twitter.com/nweeWzYYUB
It was a night to remember for Plowden. His immediate impact could thrust him into an elevated role for the Hawks, especially if the team can’t shake the injury bug before its next game.
Whether Plowden is competing in the G League or the NBA (or both), fans know what to expect from the athletic 3-and-D rookie. With more than seven years of collegiate and G League experience under his belt, Plowden is no ordinary rookie. And that could be just what the Hawks need.