Dyson Daniels poised for breakout season after trade to Hawks

When the Atlanta Hawks traded Dejounte Murray, some fans were disappointed with the players they got back in return. It turns out the Hawks may have struck gold with one of those players.

Dyson Daniels – the No. 8 pick in the 2022 draft – has looked incredible during Team Australia’s exhibition games ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Across five games, the 21-year-old point guard has averaged 10.0 points and 3.2 assists on 48.6% shooting from the field and 40.0% shooting from three. Daniels has averaged a remarkable 3.0 steals per game, putting his elite perimeter defense on full display.

Armed with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, Daniels locks up his assignments as well as anyone in the league. However, he has struggled to shoot the ball during his first two NBA seasons. His 31.2% clip from 3-point range has always limited his offensive impact, but his recent long-range accuracy should give Hawks fans high hopes for the Aussie’s first season in Atlanta.

Daniels ended his preparation for the Olympics in style with an incredible finish to Australia’s 83-82 win over France. With 2.5 seconds left and his team down by one, Daniels hit a game-winning reverse layup. He lost his defender with the kind of elite off-ball movement the stagnant Hawks offense could use.

Along with his last-second heroics, Daniels notched 14 points, five assists, and five steals. He shot 6-of-9 from the field and 2-of-4 from three. As always, the Australians felt Daniels’ impact on both ends of the floor.

Daniels will enter a fascinating Hawks training camp that could force Atlanta to make a tough decision about their starting lineup. While Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are locked in as starters, the Hawks will evaluate No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, Bogdan Bogdanovic, De’Andre Hunter, and Daniels as potential starters in the shooting guard and small forward spots.

If the new-look Hawks want to rebuild their culture with a greater emphasis on defense, they should give Daniels a serious look as Young’s new backcourt mate. They should also insert Onyeka Okongwu into the starting five due to his defensive versatility. 

A lineup of Young/Daniels/Risacher/Johnson/Okongwu would perfectly embrace a youth movement defined by two-way potential. That lineup would surround Young with four players who have the size and mobility to guard multiple positions. For a modern-day NBA defense, switchability is everything.

Dyson Daniels can anchor the Hawks’ perimeter defense

For an Atlanta team that has notoriously struggled to defend over the years, Daniels can fortify the perimeter with his uncanny point-of-attack defense. Daniels’ combination of size, speed, and control allows him to excel as a point-of-attack stud. He is also an elite ball hawk who disrupts passing lanes on a regular basis. Daniels averaged 2.3 steals per 36 minutes last season.

Daniels’ knack for picking pockets is truly insane. The lengthy guard’s constant activity and energy allow him to thrive as a defender by maximizing his physical gifts and instincts. Because of this, Daniels typically guards the best player on the floor when he is on the court.

Daniels could make his first-ever All-Defensive Team next season, especially if he starts or plays heavy minutes for the Hawks. He will also be a dark-horse candidate for the Most Improved Player award.

Hawks fans have to love what they are seeing from Daniels since the team acquired him. The rising star seems poised for a huge leap, particularly as a shooter and scorer. Since the New Orleans Pelicans took him in the lottery two summers ago, Daniels has already shown progress that could reach new heights in Atlanta. 

Along with Daniels, the Hawks received Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell, Cody Zeller, and some future first-round picks. As they begin a new chapter of the Ice Trae era, the Hawks will hope to develop Daniels into one of the best two-way guards in basketball.