In a surprising twist that could redefine the Atlanta Hawks' guard play, the team has just locked in their final roster spot with a promising talent who knows how to grind on both ends of the court—but is this move a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Let's dive into the details of this latest development and explore why it might just be the spark the Hawks need for a breakout season.
The Atlanta Hawks made headlines today by upgrading Keaton Wallace from a two-way contract to a full-fledged NBA deal, as reported by Shams Charania (https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1979638319974957322). This upgrade happened shortly after the team waived Charles Bassey and Lamont Butler (https://soaringdownsouth.com/hawks-finally-solve-lineup-mystery-could-define-season), freeing up that crucial final roster slot. For those new to NBA lingo, a two-way contract is a special arrangement that lets a player bounce between the main NBA team and their G League affiliate, giving them valuable experience while keeping costs low—it's like a stepping stone for developing talent.
Wallace has earned this promotion thanks to his standout defensive skills and smart decision-making at point guard, qualities that have made him a go-to favorite of head coach Quin Snyder. His journey to this point is a testament to perseverance: After four years at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Wallace went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. Undeterred, he signed with the Ontario Clippers, the G League team affiliated with the Los Angeles Clippers (now relocated to Agua Caliente), where he honed his game over two seasons before a trade brought him to Atlanta in 2023.
During the 2023-24 season, Wallace suited up for the College Park Skyhawks, Atlanta's G League squad, and impressed enough to earn that two-way deal. In his rookie NBA year under the two-way agreement, he put up solid numbers across 31 games: averaging 5.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in about 16.2 minutes per night, plus he started in five of those contests. And here's where it gets interesting—Wallace is the big brother of Cason Wallace, the 2025 NBA champion, and just like his sibling, Keaton thrives on relentless effort and a defensive engine that never quits.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is elevating Wallace the bold choice that strengthens the Hawks' backcourt, or does it overlook other veterans who might bring more immediate star power? This promotion brings a fresh layer of playmaking and defensive prowess to the guard lineup, officially adding a second primary point guard to the roster alongside superstar Trae Young. On the surface, Wallace seems poised as Young's direct backup, but the Hawks have hinted at a more collaborative strategy—think "point guard by committee" (https://soaringdownsouth.com/hawks-foreshadow-bold-roster-move-), where the ball-handling responsibilities are shared among players like Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and even Jalen Johnson. For beginners wondering about this, it's a way to avoid overloading one player and keep defenses guessing by rotating leadership.
That said, Wallace probably won't jump straight into the starting five. With so much talent ahead of him in the pecking order, he might only see meaningful playing time in the early season against squads boasting deep guard rotations, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers or the San Antonio Spurs. And this is the part most people miss: Last season, during the Hawks' injury troubles, Wallace seized his moments to shine (https://soaringdownsouth.com/keaton-wallace-hawks-franchise-history-finale). In one memorable January matchup against the Chicago Bulls, he erupted for 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting 6-for-11 from the field and a blistering 4-for-7 from three-point range.
Over his five starts, he averaged an eye-catching 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, paired with 8.4 assists and 2.2 steals—numbers that, while based on a small sample due to the team's limited rotation at the time, show he has the raw ability and poise to hold his own at the NBA level. It's like a glimpse into his potential, proving he's not just filling a spot but bringing real juice to elevate the team.
What do you think, fans? Is this the smart, homegrown boost the Hawks needed, or should they have pursued a flashier name instead? Could the point guard committee approach lead to offensive fireworks, or does it risk diluting Young's unique brilliance? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you agree this is a win for Atlanta, or is there a counterpoint I'm missing? Let's discuss!
