Luguentz Dort Gives the Atlanta Hawks the Perimeter Defender They Lacked

The Atlanta Hawks added Luguentz Dort to address a need that has become increasingly important in today's NBA: perimeter defense. As Dort begins a new chapter in Atlanta, his defensive versatility, physicality, and ability to take on tough assignments could make him a critical piece of the Hawks' push to become a more complete team.

Dort was acquired by the Hawks during the offseason from the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the trade may not be discussed in the media, the move could shift the NBA's balance of power.

The Hawks acquired Dort on July 19 to add a wing who impacts both ends of the floor. The deal came in a three-team swap that also sent Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks and three second-round picks to Oklahoma City, with guard Ryan Nembhard heading to Atlanta as well.

Dort was part of the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2025 NBA championship run. However, the team lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Finals.

In the 27-year-old's final season with the Thunder, he played 69 games, averaging 26.8 minutes per game. His addition to Atlanta provides the franchise with a durable lockdown defender who can shoot the 3.

Although the 6-foot-4 guard only shot 34.4% from 3-point range last season, he shot above 38% in each of the prior two seasons. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 75.9% from the charity stripe.

Dort will give Atlanta another defender who can impact the game and force more fast-break opportunities.

Atlanta's front office during the offseason added depth through the draft, trades, and free agency. The Hawks drafted Kingston Flemings at No. 8 and Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23.

Both drafted players were active in Summer League play and showed signs of potential.

After drafting two young, talented, explosive players, the organization extended CJ McCollum on a one-year, $21 million contract and signed Jock Landale to a one-year, $14 million contract.

After the loaded signings, Atlanta traded for Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks.

The franchise also added Devin Carter from the Sacramento Kings. Both Wiggins and Carter are under 30 years old.

If the season started today, the starting lineup could consist of McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu.

The Hawks' Summer League didn't reach the finals, but the franchise was able to evaluate its young talent and take a step closer to the regular season.

The Hawks will look to reach the postseason for the second consecutive season while advancing out of the first round. As of now, Dort will wear No. 0 for the 2026-27 season.

Dort can provide this team with a three-and-D player who can impact late-game situations. Last season, the team made the playoffs for the first time since the 2022-23 season.