NBA Notes: Hawks, Lu Dort, Pistons, Jalen Duren, Wizards

Hawks

Luguentz Dort has changed teams, but at least one of his new Hawks teammates is very familiar.

Dort said he’s particularly excited about joining fellow Canadian Nickeil Alexander-Walker in Atlanta. The two go way back, having played together in high school and against each other plenty before reaching the NBA.

“It’s amazing. Obviously, Nickeil is one of my closest friends,” Dort said, via Clemente Almanza of Thunder Wire. “Played on the same team with Nickeil in high school and against him our whole life, obviously.

“When I got the call and I knew I was heading there, I hit him right away. I was really happy. He’s helped me out throughout this whole transition and with their style of play. I’m glad that I got a guy like him on my team now.”

Dort arrives in Atlanta after his run with Oklahoma City, giving the Hawks another proven perimeter defender. Having an old friend waiting for him probably doesn’t hurt, either.

Pistons

The Jalen Duren situation remains unresolved, but eventually the Pistons are going to have to figure out who plays with whom.

Keith Langlois of Pistons.com took a look at the potential rotation and identified Duncan Robinson, Paul Reed, Ron Holland and newcomer John Collins as players who should have regular roles.

Robinson and Collins appear to be the favorites for the two remaining starting spots, assuming restricted free agent Duren returns.

Reed could see an expanded role following the trade that sent Isaiah Stewart to Memphis, while Langlois believes Holland could be headed for a significant third-year jump.

There will be competition behind them. Isaiah Joe, acquired from the Thunder this offseason, joins Kevin Huerter, Daniss Jenkins and Javonte Green among those battling for regular minutes.

First, of course, Detroit still has that Duren business to finish.

Wizards

After losing 65 games last season, the Wizards have decided they’ve had enough of that.

Washington re-signed Trae Young, selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick and added Khris Middleton, Deandre Ayton and Tre Mann. Anthony Davis remains a major part of the equation as well.

ESPN’s NBA insiders examined the revamped roster and described Washington as “all-in” on Young, with Ohm Youngmisuk suggesting the Wizards could make some noise if Davis returns healthy and resembles the dominant player he’s been in the past.

That’s a fairly significant “if,” but the roster surrounding him certainly looks different.

Meanwhile, Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network took a closer look at Ayton, who is coming off an efficient season with the Lakers. Ayton posted career highs in both true shooting percentage (67.6%) and effective field goal percentage (67.1%).

He’s also been a consistently productive rebounder. Put it all together and Washington certainly shouldn’t resemble the team that lost 65 games.

How far beyond that the Wizards can go will depend heavily on Davis’ health, Young’s impact and how quickly Dybantsa becomes Dybantsa.

But for once, there’s considerably more to discuss in Washington than lottery odds.