{"id":205835,"date":"2026-07-21T18:30:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T22:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=205835"},"modified":"2026-07-21T18:30:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T22:30:47","slug":"hawks-defensive-trio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/21\/hawks-defensive-trio\/","title":{"rendered":"Defensive Trio Creates Dominant Identity for Hawks"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Defensive trio” could become the defining phrase for the Atlanta Hawks next season. After acquiring<\/a> Lu Dort<\/a> from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three-team trade, Atlanta now has three outstanding perimeter defenders in Dort, Dyson Daniels<\/a> and Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Defensive Trio Creates Dominant Identity for Hawks<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Hawks already finished last season with a top-10 defense<\/a>, but their latest acquisition could elevate that unit into the league\u2019s top five. Pairing an All-NBA defender like Dort with Daniels and Alexander-Walker gives head coach Quin Snyder a group capable of applying relentless pressure to opposing guards and wings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Atlanta\u2019s growing commitment to defense should not be surprising. The unit improved significantly after the Hawks traded Trae Young<\/a>, whose offensive production was often offset by his defensive limitations, and the front office has continued targeting athletic two-way players who fit the team\u2019s evolving identity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Atlanta\u2019s Perimeter Defense Will Become a Nightmare<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Daniels has already established himself as one of the NBA\u2019s premier defenders. The former Defensive Player of the Year runner-up has earned consecutive All-Defensive Team honors<\/a> because of his length, anticipation and ability to disrupt passing lanes at an elite level.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexander-Walker has yet to receive the same national recognition, but his defensive impact has become increasingly difficult to ignore. Following his 2026 Most Improved Player of the Year campaign, he has earned more attention for his ability to defend multiple positions, fight through screens and consistently make life difficult for opposing ball handlers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The addition of Dort takes Atlanta\u2019s perimeter defense to another level because he brings a different type of physicality. His strength allows him to challenge larger wings, while his lateral quickness and relentless approach make him capable of staying attached to some of the league\u2019s quickest guards.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Lu Dort is a hell of a perimeter defensive trio.<\/p>\n

I also like Dallas snagging Zaccharie Risacher. Not even close to writing off his talent yet.<\/p>\n

Curious to see how both ATL and DAL get into roster compliance. Both have moves to make.<\/p>\n

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n