When evaluating the incredible draft prospects each cycle provides, it's not often mentioned exactly how the already-rostered players feel about who their squad should bring in. Dyson Daniels, on a recent podcast appearance, made his stance pretty clear.
It's rare to see a franchise's building block comment on a specific prospect he wants them to target, but Daniels didn't shy away. When asked about who they should acquire with the eighth-overall pick, he declared that he's seen "a lot of comments about Aday Mara, the big fella from Michigan, 7'3"."
Daniels doesn't want to have to defend bigs in the playoffs again
New York brought an incredibly tough task for the young guard in his first notable postseason experience. Not only was he immediately tasked with defending Jalen Brunson, one of the league's most dynamic offensive guards, but when the Knicks started pulling away, he was given an even tougher assignment.
It was more of a panic move than anything, but when New York began running their offense more through Karl-Anthony Towns late in the series, Head Coach Quin Snyder opted to place Daniels on him, and sent backcourt mate Nickeil Alexander-Walker to hunt down Brunson.
For the most part, Daniels did an impressive job, but it wasn't natural. The adjustment allowed for the Knicks to manipulate an unfamiliar look, resulting in a dominant finish. If the Hawks place the right amount of emphasis on getting bigger this offseason, they won't be required to make such a drastic change again.
While they could obviously improve in that aspect when free agency hits, they have a golden opportunity to add to their already-established young core at that position. Onyeka Okongwu's done a fabulous job holding it down in the meantime, but if he's not the long-term answer down low, they can seamlessly pivot next month.
Mara brings everything teams want in a modern paint beast
Listed at 7'3" barefoot with a 9'9" standing reach, it's no secret that Mara has all the physical tools capable of helping him find sustainable success in today's NBA. Modern bigs can't just rely on their size, though, and to Mara's luck, he doesn't.
He's developed a reputation of being one of the more underrated playmakers at the center position in college basketball. In a movement-focused Atlanta offense, there's no reason to believe it won't translate.
Dyson Daniels is one of the league's smoothest off-ball movers, so it's no surprise that he's enticed by the idea of bringing in Mara. He would seriously make life easier for him on both ends of the floor.
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