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“Defensive trio” could become the defining phrase for the Atlanta Hawks next season. After acquiring Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three-team trade, Atlanta now has three outstanding perimeter defenders in Dort, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Defensive Trio Creates Dominant Identity for Hawks
The Hawks already finished last season with a top-10 defense, but their latest acquisition could elevate that unit into the league’s 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.
Atlanta’s growing commitment to defense should not be surprising. The unit improved significantly after the Hawks traded Trae Young, 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’s evolving identity.
Atlanta’s Perimeter Defense Will Become a Nightmare
Daniels has already established himself as one of the NBA’s premier defenders. The former Defensive Player of the Year runner-up has earned consecutive All-Defensive Team honors because of his length, anticipation and ability to disrupt passing lanes at an elite level.
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.
The addition of Dort takes Atlanta’s 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’s quickest guards.
Together, the defensive trio gives Snyder the freedom to rotate assignments depending on the matchup. Daniels can use his length and instincts to create turnovers, Dort can handle the most physical scorers, and Alexander-Walker can provide versatility across several perimeter positions.
The Hawks would also not need any one member of the group to carry the entire defensive workload. Their ability to share difficult assignments should help preserve energy throughout games while allowing Atlanta to maintain defensive pressure across several lineup combinations.
That becomes especially valuable against Eastern Conference teams featuring elite perimeter scorers. Atlanta can now throw several different looks at players such as Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell without relying on one defender for an entire series.
Atlanta Has Defensive Versatility Across the Roster
The Hawks’ defensive potential extends beyond Daniels, Dort and Alexander-Walker. Jalen Johnson has developed into a versatile forward capable of guarding multiple positions, while Onyeka Okongwu remains a reliable interior defender who can protect the rim and switch onto smaller players when necessary.
Mouhamed Gueye provides another athletic frontcourt option with the length and mobility to defend in space. When those players are combined with Atlanta’s perimeter trio, Snyder gains the flexibility to create several defensive-minded lineups based on specific opponents and game situations.
A lineup of Daniels, Dort, Alexander-Walker, Johnson and Okongwu would give Atlanta size, athleticism and defensive versatility at every position. That group could switch aggressively, pressure the basketball and create transition opportunities before opposing defenses have time to get organized.
Those transition chances are especially important because playing with pace remains a central part of Atlanta’s offensive identity. Defensive stops and forced turnovers would give players such as Johnson and rookie guard Kingston Flemings more opportunities to attack in the open floor.
President of basketball operations Onsi Saleh deserves significant credit for constructing a roster with a clear vision. The additions of Dort and Aaron Wiggins, along with the decisions to retain C.J. McCollum and Jock Landale, have given Snyder greater depth and more lineup flexibility than he had last season.
Saleh’s emphasis on adding two-way contributors has made Atlanta a more balanced team. The Hawks may not immediately be viewed as championship favorites, but their combination of defensive talent, athleticism and depth makes them a legitimate threat to improve upon last season’s top-six finish.
The defensive trio of Daniels, Dort and Alexander-Walker will be central to that effort. If the group performs as expected, Atlanta could become one of the most uncomfortable teams to face throughout the regular season and potentially emerge as a sleeper top-four team in the Eastern Conference.
Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
