Bleacher Report predicts Hawks wing Luguentz Dort will make an All-Defensive team in 2026-27 after earning First Team honors in 2024-25.
The Atlanta Hawks made a lot of additions this summer, but Luguentz Dort was the biggest one. Bleacher Report is now predicting that he'll make an All-Defensive team in 2026-27.
Bleacher Report categorized the prediction as "bold." It was part of an article where they made a bold prediction for every NBA team's "best new weapon." As they highlight in the article, Dort was an All-Defensive First Team selection in 2024-25, but that was the only All-Defense selection throughout his seven-year NBA career.
Can he get his second selection in 2026-27?
Hawks Need Dort to Be His Best Self
In some respects, it's surprising that Dort hasn't earned more All-Defensive nods.
It's how he's earned his keep throughout his NBA career. Dort's offense is a mixed bag. He's shot 35.8% from three-point range throughout his career, which is fine, but not elite. Given that Dort's shot creation and playmaking are generally limited, we can say that offense is not what's helped him stick in the league.
By contrast, his defense is elite — but it doesn't always "pop" as other defenders' efforts do. Dort is averaging just 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game throughout his NBA career.
He's not your archetypal defensive playmaker. Instead, Dort is a dominant man defender. There are few players who are as immovable at the point of attack.
That partly owes to Dort's physical qualities. He's just 6'3", but he's got a 6'8" wingspan. Dort is also among the strongest players in the NBA. He can guard guards, wings, and even some big men in a pinch.
Will that be enough to earn an All-Defensive selection?
Hawks Will Benefit From Dort's Presence
It's hard to say. Often, these selections are closely tied to statistical output. Dort may be penalized for his low steal and block numbers. If so, he may be left off the teams. It would hardly be the first time.
That said, the Hawks don't need to be concerned with Dort making an All-Defensive team. They need to be concerned with him having an All-Defensive impact — although, in the same breath, they may not need to be concerned about that either.
Dort always does.
If anything, continued offensive development would be ideal from Dort. Last year, he started creating more shots for himself. If he can continue trending in that direction, he'll be especially valuable for the Hawks.
As it stands, he's still the biggest acquisition they made in a busy summer.
