When Keaton Wallace filled in for an injured Trae Young on Nov. 12 as Atlanta’s starting point guard, few would have expected a win on the road against the defending champion Boston Celtics. The Hawks shattered expectations, going toe-to-toe with the world champs and coming out with an incredible upset victory.
Wallace’s first-ever NBA start was a memorable one. While the two-way player didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, he dropped eight dimes and just two turnovers. Wallace also played exceptional defense all night long, pairing up with Dyson Daniels to wreak havoc in the backcourt.
Wallace spent his first three years as a pro solely in the G League before earning a two-way contract during Summer League last July. Wallace built his strong foundation as a defender with the College Park Skyhawks last season. Atlanta’s G League squad boasts one of the best defensive cultures in basketball.
Keaton Wallace’s first NBA start can inspire Hawks G Leaguers
Some of Wallace’s former Skyhawks teammates still play for the Hawks affiliate. After his most recent outing with College Park, second-year point guard Jarkel Joiner talked to Soaring Down South about Wallace’s inspiring start.
“That’s my guy,” Joiner said. “I’m so happy that he got his first start, and they got the W. I’m just proud of him. I’ve only known him for a short time, but he’s a cool guy. I love him to death…”
I asked Skyhawks guard Jarkel Joiner about Keaton Wallace’s first NBA start during Atlanta’s Tuesday win over the Celtics:
— Ben Grunert (@BenGrunertBball) November 15, 2024
“That’s my guy. I’m so happy that he got his first start and they got the W. I’m just proud of him … I love him to death.”
Video credit 🎥 : @JameelahJNBA pic.twitter.com/er5vZhRVvu
In his last two games, Joiner dropped a career-high 30 points and followed that up with 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The 25-year-old has taken a leap to start his 2024-25 campaign, and he has not been shy about his NBA aspirations.
As someone who played with Wallace in the G League last season, Joiner can draw huge inspiration from seeing his former teammate thrive at the highest level. Joiner told Soaring Down South about his NBA dreams.
“A lot (of motivation),” Joiner said. “First, I’ll give credit to my Lord God. Lot of work I put in, finally just letting go. That’s the confidence my coaches and teammates give me. Just trusting the work, that’s it.”
Like Wallace, Dominick Barlow occupies one of Atlantas’ two-way spots. The young big man has averaged 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds through his two contests with College Park. Barlow also spoke with Soaring Down South about Wallace in his latest press conference.
“It’s great, super happy for Keaton,” Barlow said. “He deserves it. I think everybody gets their moment, and Keaton’s taking advantage of his moment … He’s doing a great job.”
Barlow’s hot start to his third NBA season could be a sign of things to come for the versatile talent. Atlanta’s consistent injury woes may call Barlow into action sooner rather than later, and Wallace’s performance can provide some extra belief for the 21-year-old as he continues to develop his game and push for a standard contract.
The red-hot Skyhawks are undefeated to start the season
College Park has won three games in a row to kick off the new season, picking up right where they left off on defense. They have already held their opponent to just 95 points in two of three contests.
Skyhawks head coach Steve Klei, who is also an assistant for the Hawks, has preached competitiveness and connectedness so far this season. That starts with College Park’s elite culture of defensive effort and discipline, a Skyhawks staple that has clearly made a positive impact on players like Wallace.
After his team’s third win of the young season, Klei talked to Soaring Down South about Wallace’s game against Boston and how that effort can inspire G Leaguers sitting where Wallace was sitting last season.
“Great win for the Hawks,” Klei said. “It’s a great thing for the G League to see guys who have had G League experience have success at that level. Keaton, Dyson, Jalen … It was great for Dom and Mo to be there and just see that level of intensity.”
While Wallace may not see many more starts this season, he has proven his value as a defensive depth piece for the Hawks moving forward. With so many promising talents in College Park, one of Atlanta’s G League prospects could be next in line for an NBA breakthrough.