The Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards start their season series tonight in the nation's capital. However, this is no ordinary November matchup. This game marks the first time Trae Young will play against his former squad after Atlanta traded him to Washington last season.
Hawks were used to seeing Young dish out double-digit assists and launch deep threes at State Farm Arena from 2018 to 2026. However, they will have different rooting interests tonight, as the Hawks try to slow down the Wizards' star guard. Atlanta has a trio of elite perimeter defenders to throw at the four-time All-Star to avoid a breakout "revenge game" performance.
Dyson Daniels' length could give Young problems
When Young wore a Hawks jersey, opposing teams often put taller defenders on him to take away space and make him shoot over more length. Players like Ben Simmons and Jaden McDaniels gave Young trouble in the past. The Hawks can match up Dyson Daniels against his former teammate to put him in a tough spot.
At 6 feet 7 inches, Daniels has a five-inch height advantage over Young. This significantly impacts Young's ability to shoot his signature logo threes over his defender. The 2024-25 NBA steals leader's long wingspan also enables him to reach around Young's smaller frame and poke the ball free. Daniels averages 3.0 steals through eight games this season.
It will be fun to see how Young and Daniels adjust to each other on the floor. Daniels knows Young wants to get to his floater, draw fouls, and pull up from deep, but Young knows Daniels could pick his pocket at any point.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker's screen navigation will come in handy
Young is one of the best pick-and-roll ball handlers and decision-makers in the NBA. He averages a 19.9-point, 10.0-assist double-double for the campaign. However, the Hawks have one of the best screen navigators in the entire association in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who figures to see some minutes on his one-time teammate.
Alexander-Walker has mastered the art of going over perimeter screens and still staying attached to ball handlers. His lateral quickness keeps guards in front of him, while his quick hands can ignite Atlanta's transition offense.
However, the 2025-26 Most Improved Player must be disciplined when reaching against Young. The four-time All-Star often forces defenders into foul trouble if they use their hands too much.
Lu Dort will tire Young over the course of the game
Atlanta traded for Lu Dort this summer to add strength, physicality, and championship experience to its roster. Dort never backs down from a challenge, initiating contact with his matchup all game long to wear him down. Even though Quin Snyder plays Dort at power forward, he could switch onto Young for a few minutes in tonight's game.
Dort weighs in at 240 pounds, which outmuscles most of the smaller guards he covers. Young weighs just 164 pounds, meaning Dort can bump Young off his spots. If Atlanta's forward can keep Young in front of him, he will struggle to drive through Dort and get into the teeth of the defense.
Snyder emphasized the importance of keeping opponents out of the Hawks' paint after their opening night victory.
"Our best rim protection is paint prevention," said Snyder.
Dort, Alexander-Walker, and Daniels will all play important roles in this area tonight against Washington. The action tips off in Capital One Arena at 7 p.m. ET.
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