Keaton Wallace makes Hawks franchise history in regular-season finale

In Atlanta’s final game of the regular season, Hawks rookie Keaton Wallace stole the show with his first career triple-double. Atlanta signed Wallace to a two-way contract last summer, and he has proven valuable to an injury-riddled Hawks team all season long.

Across his five spot starts this year, Wallace averaged 13.8 points, 8.4 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals. The 26-year-old point guard made Hawks history, joining Trae Young and Bob Pettit as the only Atlanta rookies to record triple-doubles.

Wallace diced up Orlando’s defense in the Hawks’ season-ending 117-105 win, dropping 15 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds. He also nabbed five steals, putting forth an incredible two-way performance that should leave a lasting impression on Landry Fields and Atlanta’s front office this offseason. 

Wallace has done more than enough to earn consideration for a standard deal with the Hawks this summer. The Hawks went 4-1 when he started, and they held an incredible 106.6 defensive rating in those games. For context, that rating would be tied for Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defense. The Hawks held a 114.8  defensive rating this season — good for No. 18 in the NBA.

Wallace’s defensive grit and underrated playmaking would make him a reliable second-unit floor general as the young Hawks continue to grow together. Since Kobe Bufkin’s season-ending injury, many Atlanta fans have wanted the team to search harder for an Ice Trae backup. Between Caris LeVert and Wallace, the Hawks already have everything they need to take some weight off Young’s shoulders.

The Hawks will surely miss Wallace’s presence in the playoffs. Given his two-way status, he won’t be eligible for Atlanta’s postseason efforts. The Hawks will take on Orlando again in the 7-vs-8 play-in game for a chance to take on Boston in the first round. If they fail to beat the Magic, they will have another shot to book a first-round meeting with Cleveland as the No. 8 seed.

Keaton Wallace was a superstar in the G League this season

Wallace developed his skill set and leadership in the G League this season, helping the College Park Skyhawks with averages of 16.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.8 steals. His College Park stardom allowed him to transition his abilities to the big leagues more comfortably than most rookies.

When Wallace made his debut as an NBA starter in a November win over the Celtics, his G League coaches and teammates could not have been prouder. Skyhawks point guard Jarkel Joiner talked to Soaring Down South about Wallace’s inspiring start.

“That’s my guy. I’m so happy that he got his first start and they got the W,” Joiner said. “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.”

In a January interview with Soaring Down South, Skyhawks head coach Steve Klei called Wallace “very humble” and “very hard-working.” Klei has lauded Wallace’s seamless ability to bounce from Atlanta to College Park all season long, crediting the G League veteran for his invaluable leadership. 

Wallace has set a perfect example for fellow G-Leaguers trying to crack an NBA roster. He has kept his nose to the grindstone and put in the work since he entered the G League four seasons ago. The former University of Texas at San Antonio star will hopefully continue to build his career in Atlanta.

About a week before his career-high 27 points against the Bulls in January, Wallace talked to Soaring Down South at a Skyhawks practice. He spoke on the day-by-day mentality that has kept him grounded and ready to go when his number is called.

“I just take it day by day. You can only control what you can control,” Wallace said. “If my number gets called, I’ve gotta be ready to play. That’s all I’m worried about.”