Atlanta Hawks guard Lu Dort is looking forward to his first season with the team after being acquired this summer, bringing championship experience to a roster looking to rebound from a tough finish. The Hawks ended their previous campaign with a 89-140 loss to the New York Knicks on April 30, 2026, part of a five-game losing streak to close the season. Dort's arrival, along with Aaron Wiggins, aims to change that trajectory.
What did Lu Dort say about joining the Atlanta Hawks?
In an interview with Clemente Almanza of Thunder Wire, Dort expressed genuine enthusiasm for his new home. He highlighted the fanbase, the city's energy, and a personal connection to Atlanta's large Haitian community. "Everything. I know they got a great fanbase. A great city. I'm excited to connect with the community, obviously," Dort said. "I know there's a lot of my roots and a big Haitian community out there. Everything in general."
His transition is made smoother by the presence of a close friend and longtime teammate. Dort and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have a history that dates back to their high school days in Canada. "Obviously, Nickeil is one of my closest friends. Played on the same team with Nickeil in high school and against him our whole life, obviously," Dort explained. He immediately contacted Alexander-Walker after learning of the trade. "He's helped me out throughout this whole transition and with their style of play."
How have Dort and Alexander-Walker performed recently?
The backcourt pairing gave Hawks fans a thrilling preview of their potential during recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Despite missing star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada secured a 97-92 win over Argentina to move closer to qualifying for the 2027 tournament. Dort and Alexander-Walker combined for 51 points in that victory, carrying the offensive load.
Dort, not typically known as a primary scorer, is currently leading the Canadian national team in points per game with an average of 25.0. "Honestly, every time I'm out there, I just try my best to play my role and trying to find the best shot." Dort said after the game. The win kept Canada unbeaten in Group F with a perfect 8-0 record. Their next qualifier is scheduled for November 28 against Uruguay.
What does this mean for the Hawks' upcoming season?
The Hawks' recent form, losing their last five games including that heavy defeat to the Knicks, shows a clear need for a reset. The addition of Dort's defensive tenacity and championship pedigree is a direct response to that. His ability to score at a high level for Canada, as seen in the qualifiers, suggests an expanded offensive role could be in store. Pairing him with Alexander-Walker creates a backcourt with established chemistry, which could accelerate their integration into the Hawks' system.
For a team that struggled defensively, Dort's reputation as a perimeter stopper will be vital. His energy and connection to the community also align with the franchise's desire to build a strong identity. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full roster as they prepare for the new season. The performances in FIBA action provide a tangible reason for optimism that this backcourt duo can help steer the Hawks in a new direction.
Integrating new players is always a challenge, but having a ready-made partnership is a significant advantage. The Hawks will hope the duo's success on the international stage translates directly to the NBA. Their development will be one of the key storylines to follow, and you can monitor all their key stats throughout the campaign.
