From the outside looking in, the fit between Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks has been difficult to understand. His generational production is impossible to overlook, but Atlanta missing the playoffs in each of the past two seasons has resulted in many questioning if the time has come for a trade.
As opinions mount that the Hawks are building in a way that no longer requires Young's presence, Dyson Daniels has spoken up to oppose that belief.
Atlanta is coming off of a season in which it went 40-42. It improved its record by four wins, overcame a mid-season injury to Jalen Johnson to remain relevant and reach the Play-In Tournament, and produced an award-winning campaign from Daniels.
During an interview with Tomer Azarly of Clutch Points, Daniels explained how Young made his job easier in 2024-25—and how their complementary games have the reigning Most Improved Player believing he can repeat as the award-winner.
“I was able to come here and play alongside Trae Young. He made my life a lot easier and our games kind of really complement each other. Him on the offensive end, me on the defensive end helping him out, so I think for me, it's just about coming into Atlanta with the right mindset, ready to kind of turn the page. I wasn't happy with how my two years went in New Orleans, so I was happy with how this year went, but I feel like I could win Most Improved Player again. It'll be another goal of mine going into [next] year.”
Young has often been labeled as an ill-fitting star in Atlanta, but Daniels singing a different tune should have critics second-guessing if it's time for the two sides to part ways.
Dyson Daniels credits Trae Young with making life easier for him
Daniels and Young formed one of the most balanced backcourts in the NBA during the 2024-25 season. Young continued to be an offensive force of nature, posting averages of 24.2 points, a league-leading 11.2 assists, and 2.9 three-point field goals made per game.
Daniels, meanwhile, played lockdown defense and emerged as the NBA's preeminent ball hawk while averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.1 three-point field goals made.
For his efforts, Daniels won the Most Improved Player award and earned All-Defensive First Team honors. He was also second in voting for Defensive Player of the Year, thus rounding out one of the best debut seasons in franchise history.
Daniels' profound display of two-way value and potential was not only a confirmation of his status as a rising franchise pillar, but an endorsement of Young as a backcourt partner.
Young will need to improve his efficiency and cut down on his turnovers if the Hawks hope to contend. The early return on Atlanta's investment, however, includes the fact that it ranked in the 73rd percentile in net rating when Daniels, Johnson, and Young shared the court in 2024-25.
If the Hawks are fortunate enough to avoid the injury bug in 2025-26, then they could realistically make noise with this core in a depleted Eastern Conference.
Atlanta will, of course, need promising players such as Onyeka Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher to continue to tap into their extraordinary potential. It'll also be expecting reliable contributions from new additions such as Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis.
With a deep and balanced roster flush with promising up-and-comers and proven veterans, Daniels and Young will have a chance to orchestrate a remarkable encore to a promising 2024-25 campaign.