Dyson Daniels is not lacking talent, instincts, or defensive feel. What he needs is clarity.
Too often, young guards with his skill set are asked to fill gaps instead of growing into defined roles.
When that happens, development stalls not because of ability, but because of confusion.
If the Hawks want to avoid a disastrous developmental curve, they must simplify his responsibilities and commit to a consistent plan.
Daniels’ strength is his defensive versatility and decision-making in space. He reads passing lanes well, rotates instinctively, and has the size to guard multiple positions. Offensively, he shows flashes as a connective playmaker who can move the ball and keep actions flowing. But asking him to toggle between spot-up shooter, secondary initiator, and off-ball cutter every night muddies the waters.
Young players improve fastest when they know exactly what is expected of them.
Give Dyson Daniels a Defined Offensive Identity
The one key change Atlanta must make is committing to Daniels as a primary or secondary initiator consistently. That does not mean handing him the offense, but it does mean giving him structured reps in pick and roll situations. If he is going to develop as a playmaker, he needs live reads, not occasional opportunities when the shot clock is winding down.
Allowing him to operate with intention builds rhythm, confidence, and growth. It also reveals what he truly is, rather than leaving everyone guessing.
Spacing also matters. Daniels is not at his best standing in the corner waiting for a kick out three. He thrives when he can attack tilted defenses and make quick decisions with a live dribble. Placing him in lineups with adequate shooting and rim pressure makes his reads cleaner and his strengths more visible. Development is not just about minutes; it is about context.
There is also a mental component to all of this. Young players who feel empowered tend to play faster and more decisively. If Daniels knows the organization believes in his long-term growth as a ball handler and defender, the hesitation fades. If his role shifts nightly, that hesitation lingers. Confidence is often the separator between a solid rotation player and a real difference maker.
The Hawks still have time to get this right. Daniels has the tools, the defensive floor, and the passing instincts to be a valuable long-term piece. But development rarely happens by accident. It happens when a franchise identifies a player’s core strengths and consistently leans into them. One key change in role definition could be the difference between stalled potential and a true breakout.