Dyson Daniels is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.
Despite consistently being one of Atlanta's top performers and having much of their nightly offensive attack run through his versatile abilities, his lack of an outside shot has clouded the minds of many viewers. Even those who tune in regularly. He's a polarizing player.
Atlanta has a talented squad. They should be able to succeed without him if he ever were to miss time, but through 11 games this season, they've been much better with him on the floor. It would take an adjustment, for sure. Luckily for the Hawks, he's healthy and showing no signs of slowing down.
His impact isn't always perfectly illustrated in the box score, as much of what he does well can't be tracked, but in each of the Hawks' previous four games, he's left no doubt in his contributions.
Hawks are on a roll - largely due to Daniels' two-way dominance
Atlanta is on a four-game winning streak.
There will be many streaks throughout the year - both good and bad - but none are quite as sweet as those that take place near the beginning of a season. The Hawks have seen both sides, now, considering the one they're currently on.
Of course, they haven't been facing the league's best. The NBA, however, has talent everywhere. Atlanta can't afford to overlook an opponent. Daniels never does.
Over his last four games - all of which were wins - the 23-year-old guard averaged 9.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 2.8 steals per game. He has a total +/- of +40.
His performances aren't making headlines. He's not dominating the scoring department like his teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Instead, he's doing the dirty work (not that NAW isn't). Everything necessary towards Atlanta's offensive success is completed by Daniels.
His off-ball movement, aggressiveness on the offensive and defensive glass and strong finishing ability make his role invaluable to a young team still figuring themselves out.
Hawks need Daniels to continue doing what he's been doing
If he ever were to develop a reliable outside shot - or simply get it back to what it was during his breakout 2024-25 campaign (34%) - he would be considered an All-Star level talent.
His impact seriously may already be there.
Outside noise is just outside noise until it isn't. Critics don't have to fully grasp what Daniels is doing nightly for this young Hawks squad. They just have to cover the results.
As long as he keeps doing what he's been doing and Atlanta keeps winning, they'll have no choice but to give him the respect he deserves.
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