Dyson Daniels' regression as a three-point shooter created an obvious question entering the upcoming season. If the Atlanta Hawks expect Daniels to remain one of their most important players, how much could his inconsistent jumper ultimately limit him offensively?
President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh provided a pretty definitive answer during his preseason media availability. When asked about Daniels' shooting, Saleh instead emphasized everything else the young guard provides, saying, "Dyson is one of the most impactful players in the NBA. He impacts the game in so many different ways."
Saleh went even further by pointing directly toward Atlanta's performance with Daniels on the floor. "When he was on the court for us we were better offensively," Saleh said. That statement should help put one misconception about Daniels to rest: struggling to shoot doesn't automatically make him an offensive liability.
Dyson Daniels' offensive impact goes beyond his jumper
There is no reason to pretend Daniels' shooting doesn't matter. Becoming a more dependable threat from beyond the arc would make him significantly more difficult to defend and prevent opponents from giving him additional space when Atlanta needs better floor spacing.
But evaluating Daniels strictly through his three-point percentage ignores too much of what makes him effective. He can handle the ball, initiate offense, create opportunities for teammates and use his size to generate advantages that don't require him to knock down jumpers consistently.
Daniels also provides exceptional rebounding from the guard position, which can indirectly benefit Atlanta's offense. Securing defensive rebounds allows him to immediately push the ball in transition, where his playmaking can create opportunities before opposing defenses have time to get organized.
That's why Saleh's comments matter. The Hawks aren't ignoring Daniels' shooting deficiencies; they're recognizing that offensive impact is measured by considerably more than how efficiently someone shoots from beyond the arc.
The best version of Daniels certainly includes an improved jumper. Atlanta simply doesn't need that improvement to justify keeping him heavily involved in its offense.
Atlanta's confidence in Daniels shouldn't be surprising
Daniels has already established himself as one of the NBA's premier defensive players, but that's only part of his value. His ability to impact multiple areas of the game gives Quin Snyder considerable flexibility when constructing lineups around Jalen Johnson.
Atlanta has also assembled a roster better equipped to complement Daniels' strengths. The Hawks don't need him to suddenly become an elite scorer when they can ask him to defend, rebound, facilitate and create additional possessions while other players shoulder more of the scoring burden.
That doesn't remove the importance of his development. If Daniels becomes even an average outside shooter, opponents would have another problem to solve because leaving him open would become considerably more dangerous.
But Saleh's message suggests Atlanta won't judge Daniels solely on whether that breakthrough happens. The Hawks already believe they're better when he's on the floor, including offensively, because of everything else he contributes.
Daniels should continue working to improve his jumper, but his value shouldn't hinge on it. Saleh essentially confirmed what Daniels' overall impact already suggests: there are too many ways he helps Atlanta win for one weakness to define the player he's becoming.
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