The first hour of this year's free agency period was quiet. Not long after, Atlanta made some noise and went through with a deal that has been rumored for weeks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is heading to Atlanta in a sign-and-trade with Minnesota.
It's clear what Atlanta's direction is. Surrounding Trae Young with as many versatile defenders as possible is the priority. Last offseason, they traded away Dejounte Murray to New Orleans for Dyson Daniels, one of the league's premier on-ball defenders. Daniels went on to win Most Improved Player last season and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.
Alexander-Walker, the Hawks' new acquisition, has similar defensive instincts to Daniels. He had 170 total deflections last season, ranking him top 30 in the NBA in that department. Daniels led the league with 448. Both guards are among the NBA's most elite disruptors and thrive at getting into passing lanes.
As the lone elite guard defender on the Hawks last season, Dyson Daniels still frustrated opponents unlike anyone has ever done. The mental aspect of this was crucial in late-game scenarios, where more often than not, Dyson would force a turnover on a potential game-winning play.
The only downside, however, were the defenders next to him when Atlanta needed a stop. While as elite as one can be on that end, Daniels is not perfect. He does not have everyone's game figured out. It was clear Atlanta still needed a major defensive upgrade on the perimeter.
When a team has two similar defenders, the overlapping skill sets can make for an awkward fit on the court together. This will not be a problem for Nickeil and Dyson, who can both guard multiple positions. As great as they will be together defensively, their offensive games mesh in a unique way.
What will they look like sharing the floor?
Daniels was a lead ball-handler before coming to Atlanta. While playing off the ball more and locking down a starting wing position, he still thrives as a playmaker and is more beneficial with the ball in his hands. While inconsistent at times, his outside shot saw massive improvements last season and is expected to get even better in an increased role next season.
Alexander-Walker thrives as a catch-and-shoot connective wing. He has been an efficient outside shooter for most of his career and was a key contributor in that department last season in Minnesota. He has proven he can excel in a system that emphasizes high volume three-point shooting.
These two are perfect complements. Daniels is better on the ball while Alexander-Walker thrives off of it. However both are elite cutters and can run the floor. This versatility on both ends of the court will make Trae Young's life much easier during Atlanta's quest for a championship.