Dyson Daniels breaks out as one of the best defenders in the NBA after being traded with the Atlanta Hawks, and quickly admits that being traded helped him.
In their final offseason, the Atlanta Hawks sent All-Star point guard DeJoan Murray to the New Orleans Pelican in exchange for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. and two first round draft picks.
Daniels has become the best player in the trade this season, expanding in an offensive game while leading the NBA on steals. After two unforgettable seasons at New Orleans, Daniels believes his new team and his experience played with his new success, playing for Australia at the Parisiolmpics.
Not all players are excited to be traded, but Daniels was an instant fan of the changing scenery and offered a refreshing optimism.
During his two-year tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans, Daniels was not on the roster with a true point guard. CJ McCollum was more of a shooting guard, with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson having to take charge of playmaking duties.
As a result, Daniels averaged only 4.8 points per game with 43.5% shooting. In Atlanta, Daniels shared the backcourt with Trae Young.
As a result, he looked better and made the most of them.
“I found that offensive game and played with the tray, so he made my life a lot easier and could play with him in his pocket, he found me for my shot and found something like that,” Daniels revealed.
Of course, it is impossible to mention Daniels’ success without getting tired of Daniels’ defense. He averaged 3.0 steels per game this season.
While playing for Australian Boomers at the Paris Olympics, Daniels received more responsibility in the NBA than ever before, and he made the most of it.
“Since the Olympics, it really just took off for me and being traded was the first real step I was able to get a fresh start in Atlanta.
“It was a great opportunity to reinvent myself as a basketball player and find myself again.”
Daniels is expected to be a major part of the Hawks’ success, alongside Young, Jalen Johnson and Zachary Lisach. Of course, Atlanta has come a long way before competing, even at the weak Eastern Conference.
Johnson played only in 36 games last season, but is poised to become a breakout candidate next season.
On top of that, Young shot only 34.0% from Deep, and Lisacher was a very raw player despite showing off the flash. Much of the Hawks’ improvements this summer will be internal, but boasts the 13th pick in the NBA Draft and the ability to seduce free agents like Miles Turner and Brook Lopez, giving them filming and much needed rebounds.
Of course, even if Daniels improves on either end of the ball, he will need to continue expanding his offensive game, not a knockdown shooter.
Daniels is only 22 years old and has established himself as one of the more dangerous defenders in the league, with the rest of the Hawks showing improvements. Aside from the front office mistakes, Atlanta appears to be poised to join the Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons as a promising team in the East.