Hawks' offseason trade pick-up drawing rave reviews from teammates

The summer of Dyson Daniels is upon the Atlanta Hawks as the former New Orleans Pelican and top-10 draft pick continues to impress in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. He already had social media buzzing, showcasing his two-way versatility for Australia.

Now, the positive reviews from those on the court with and against him are also showing the same type of reverence for what he has put on display.

Among his staunchest supporters has been Joe Ingles.

A veteran of 10 years in the NBA, Ingles used superlatives like “elite” and “unreal” to describe Daniels, per ESPN’s Kane Pitman on August 4. He also said the 21-year-old is “dangerous” when his offense is going and he is attacking the rim.

It paints a rosy picture of one of the key pieces in the Hawks’ trade return for Dejounte Murray and it has been more than just Ingles to sing Daniels’ praises.

“His ability to move his feet and keep guys in front [sets him apart],” teammate and Boomers big man Nick Kay said, per Pitman. “As a screen defender, I almost don't need to be there because he finds a way to get over those screens. When your primary guard is doing that kind of thing, it really sets the tone.”

The Boomers’ backcourt has been Daniels and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey.

Boomers Teammate: Hawks' Dyson Daniels 'our guy'

The team also has fellow youngster Jack McVeigh, who said Daniels was “unbelievable” and had teammates saying “woah” with what he could do from the outset of training camp. McVeigh remarked on Daniels’ ability to be a “pest” on defense and his comfort on offense.

Both sentiments bode well for the Hawks, especially on the offensive end where Daniels’ shot-making has been questioned. He is slashing .520/.417/.600 in the Olympics.

“He's our guy,” McVeigh said, per Pitman.

Daniels has been “incredible” defensively according to teammate Matthew Dellavedova, per Pitman, but the Hawks will surely hope his three-point efficiency can translate to stateside where the line is further away from the rim. That is of little concern in the interim.

“He's been playing at the high level the whole time he's been with us. Early on in camp we asked him just to be a defender, but now he's stepped into an offensive role," former Hawks center Jock Landale said, per Pitman. “We know he can provide one of those top three, top four punches. He's really growing right now and it's fun to watch.”

Daniels is thriving with the support of his coaches and teammates, which is a very informative and potentially instructive turn of events this summer.

Daniels and the Boomers will face Hawks teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic and Serbia on August 6.