One of the biggest stories of the 2025-26 season was Dyson Daniels' historically poor outside shooting performance.
Daniels was great last year, and the rest of his efforts shouldn't be ignored, but it should be known now that the majority of those who consume the sport value numbers over impact. It's unfair, especially to players like Daniels, but it's reality.
Plus, even for those who see his incredible nightly impact - judging mostly by how the Hawks play with him on the court versus without - 18.8% from deep is difficult to ignore. He'd tell you the same thing. It wasn't something to be proud of.
All hope isn't lost regarding his three-ball, though. In fact, the future is bright. Much brighter than many could've imagined after how last season went.
Daniels shot his best when he was next to an elite playmaking guard
Moving off of Trae Young was the right move, as the Hawks are now in a better spot roster-wise and financially, but there were certainly a few players who had to go through growing pains following his departure.
Obviously, the argument for Daniels being negatively impacted by Young leaving could be countered by the fact that he was on the roster for half of the season, but it's important to remember he was hurt for most of it.
Young only suited up in ten games before being dealt. It was practically a full season without him. From that idea alone, Daniels' first two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks looked entirely different from one another.
He created for himself in the 2024-25 season, but not nearly to the degree of the next. For all he had to endure in the year after his Most Improved Player campaign, it can be written off as an overall success.
Also, based on what the Hawks have added this summer, Daniels could be headed towards a career-best season.
Atlanta did what they needed to do to maximize Daniels' strengths
They didn't bring in a superstar guard, or anyone of Young's caliber just yet, but when they drafted Kingston Flemings with the eighth-overall pick, they made their long-term intentions with Dyson Daniels clear.
They're going to get him off the ball again, one way or another. Adding Flemings, a high-level floor general with all the potential in the world, addresses a key factor in helping their defensive ace return to his full offensive form.
It should be quite the upcoming season for Daniels. He's (likely) not going to shoot 40% from deep, but anything above 30% would be a massive improvement, and it's really not too unrealistic. At all.
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