The Atlanta Hawks have needed every big defensive effort from Dyson Daniels this season. But that comes naturally for the third-year guard, who is having a breakout season after being traded from the “cursed” New Orleans Pelicans and embodies what general manager Landry Fields calls "Hawks DNA."
So natural, in fact, that it runs in the family.
Daniels’ younger brother, Dash, made headlines after signing his first professional contract to join Melboure United.
The younger Daniels is a 6-foot-6 guard, very similar to his brother. He is also like his brother on the defensive end of the floor and, at 17 years old, is one of the youngest prospects to ever go through the Next Stars program.
“I feel great. Signing my first pro contract, it’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to get started,” Daniels said, per NBL.com.au on December 13.
“I’ve grown up in the Australian programs, so I know the style of play and the brand of basketball. Melbourne United, I play very similar to them, they take pride in their defence, and they love to get up and down the court, which is what I like to do.”
Daniels’ signing is already a big deal.
He received a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, w and a full video highlight package from the insider’s colleague, Jonathan Givony.
Important signing for the NBL Next Stars program in Dash Daniels, a potential future lottery pick local who decided to stay home. Already bigger, longer, and stronger than Dyson at the same age, and brings many of the same traits defensively.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) December 13, 2024
ESPN story: https://t.co/sme5CPWDrv https://t.co/7GJOvkj7nT pic.twitter.com/phuaxDn1Fq
“Dash is an exceptional talent with tremendous potential, and this is a huge moment for the Next Stars program,” NBL Next Stars Recruitment GM Liam Santamaria said in the official release. “Like Dyson, Dash is a menace at the defensive end of the floor, where his quick feet, long arms and strong body make him a highly disruptive defender. He also possesses a really high basketball IQ and a well-developed offensive skillset, including an ability to operate out of ball-screens and create for both himself and others. Dash’s decision to develop his game as a Next Star will give him the best possible chance to grow his stock ahead of nominating for the NBA Draft.”
Daniels is not forging a path, but rather taking one that is already yielding solid returns.
It also has strong backing from Hall of Fame-caliber and championship-winning players, further underscoring its credibility.
“The Next Stars program is a proven pathway to the NBA for young prospects across the world. Nine Next Stars have been drafted directly from the NBL to the NBA – LaMelo Ball (pick 3, 2020), RJ Hampton (pick 24, 2020), Josh Giddey (pick 6, 2021), Ousmane Dieng (pick 11, 2022), Rayan Rupert (pick 43, 2023), Alex Sarr (pick 2, 2024), AJ Johnson (pick 23, 2024), Bobi Klintman (pick 37, 2024) and Ariel Hukporti (pick 58, 2024). Impressively, the program has produced six first round picks across the past five NBA Drafts,” the NBL’s announcement read.
“The influence of the Next Stars program on the basketball world continues to grow, with NBA legends Carmelo Anthony (Global Ambassador) and Kenny Smith (Head of Next Stars Player Initiatives - North America) joining the program in an official capacity earlier this year.”
That is a great list of players.
However, if Daniels can emulate his brother – The Great Barrier Thief – at the next level, exploring ways to pair the dynamic duo might be worthwhile.