Dyson Daniels looking to snap 24-year drought for Hawks this season

Dyson Daniels was the most significant player coming back in the Atlanta Hawks’ trade sending Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason.

They also received a pair of potentially valuable first-round picks. But the Hawks are very high on what Daniels can bring, particularly on defense. And he is looking to take his game to an even higher level.

Daniels is looking to earn All-Defensive honors this coming season.

“I want to take the challenge of guarding the best player every night,” Daniels told reporters on September 30. “Just being out there being that – kind of that backbone for guys like Trae [Young]. Being able to switch things 1 through 4, defend bigger people, defend smaller guys. So just being everywhere on the floor. I got a big goal this year of making a First Team All-Defense. So try to go there and make that happen.”

Daniels would be the first Hawks player to earn such an honor since the late Dikembe Mutombo in 2001, whose death from brain cancer was announced on media day.

Daniels has yet to receive recognition in the form of awards, but his defensive reputation precedes him.

On a team that also has De’Andre Hunter and Zaccharie Risacher, Daniels will be able to focus largely on shutting down those smaller assignments as a “backbone” for Young. But the Hawks also want to see him take another step on the other end.

Landry Fields, Quin Snyder high on Dyson Daniels' fit with Hawks

“Dyson, incredible defender,” Hawks general manager Landry Fields Fields said. “Continuing to evolve in his offensive game. Watching him from the [G League] Ignite to where he’s at now, you know that he has those playmaking abilities and the versatility that he’s shown. And when he doesn’t have the ball, he’s still effective out there.”

Hawks head coach Quin Snyder pointed out how Daniels can be effective with what he has already proven.

“I think Dyson is someone that – particularly for his size – a player that can guard multiple positions. His ability to make plays, whether it be off the dribble or even making a simple pass. His ability to cut, which, I think, is an art form that's a little bit lost in today's NBA. Cutting is something that can go with shooting,” Hawks head coach Quin Snyder said on media day.

“But not just cutting to score. I think those are situations where he has the ability to catch the ball on the move and make a play for someone else.

“He really does have a good feel for the game.”

Danlels’ biggest question mark is his perimeter shooting. He is a career 31.2% shooter. Daniels shot the ball very well during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. But that line is shorter than the NBA. 

Daniels admitted that his three-point shot is a work in progress. He has gotten in additional work with Hawks assistant general manager Kyle Korver, a prolific shooter in his playing days.

“My whole three years in the NBA has been a lot of shooting work, and just finding what feels comfortable, and what I want to stick with. And I think my Olympic campaign, I shot the ball pretty well.

“I was very happy with that and want to carry that over into the NBA season this year.

“I've been working with Kyle a lot. One of the greatest shooters to ever play this game. So I've been working with him, and I'm excited because I changed my shot a little bit. Getting it off faster, keeping the ball high. So I'm looking forward to getting a lot of open shots because you play with elite passers like Trae, you will get open shots for sure.”

Young has spoken about having lengthy, active players like Daniels and rookie No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher around him. 

“Dyson Daniels. That's a bigger, taller guard. But he plays defense,” Young said on “Podcast P” in August. “When you have guys picking up and having defensive highlights like a Lu Dort, when you have those type guys on your team?

“I feel like he's going to have a a really good year too.”