If there was ever a time for Atlanta to experiment offensively, it's now.
Kingston Flemings - Atlanta's recent top-ten selection who's been quickly blossoming into a reliable second-unit contributor - is set to miss one game after being suspended.
Jalen Johnson - Atlanta's All-NBA star they rely on for much of the group's nightly playmaking - is questionable for the same game. In the event he's eventually listed out as well, the Hawks will have to go deep into their bag to find an offensive spark.
One thing they could do, that stands out from many other possibilities, is lean on Dyson Daniels more. A controversial figure on that end, Daniels has been quietly excellent with more offensive responsibility over the length of his early career.
Daniels' all-around ability provides the closest resemblance to Flemings'
Flemings' presence is invaluable off the bench, but looking specifically at where he excels, Daniels should be able to replicate it in his absence.
For one, the rookie is an awesome defender.
It's rare a 19-year-old enters the league immediately solid on the defensive end, particularly at a guard position, but Flemings has. On nights where his shot isn't falling, which was certainly the case more often than not in his first few career games, he's been able to lean on his strong defensive instincts.
Defense is the strongest area of Daniels' game, but if he's tasked with much more offensive responsibility - under the possible scenario where both Flemings and Johnson miss Monday's game against Indiana - will he be able to keep a similar impact defensively?
Hawks fans are no strangers to seeing former defensive standouts take a step back on that end after gaining more responsibility on the opposite one. What Daniels currently does on offense, though, should have him more than prepared to take that next step.
Daniels already plays a major role offensively, but could soon contribute in a different way
His off-ball movement, screening and finishing have all helped Atlanta climb up the Eastern Conference standings over the last few seasons.
With so many other ball-handlers on the team, however, the action he sees generating offense upon crossing halfcourt is limited.
There's no reason they wouldn't be able to up his responsibility, given the fact that they may have no other choice.
If for some reason he quickly proves to be uncomfortable in an expanded offensive role, Atlanta could opt for RayJ Dennis. They shouldn't have to, though. Daniels is as reliable as they come.
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