Dyson Daniels: Exceeding Expectations in the 2024-25 NBA Season
A Promising Performance
In a 2024-25 season that didn’t quite meet the preseason expectations, Dyson Daniels emerged as a standout performer, vastly surpassing what many envisioned for him.
Trade and Transition
Entering his third year in the NBA, Daniels joined the Hawks through a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, marking a departure from the failed Dejounte Murray/Trae Young experiment. While it was always going to be challenging to realize fair value from Murray’s trade, Daniels’ outstanding performance has positioned the Hawks much better than initially thought.
Defensive Dominance
Known for his defensive prowess upon arrival, Daniels initially had his offensive skills overshadowed. However, he exceeded all expectations in both areas while taking on a larger role with the Hawks compared to his time in New Orleans. He became one of the league’s top perimeter defenders, leading in steals and deflections, making his defensive contributions a highlight of the Hawks’ season.
Offensive Evolution
Offensively, in a more significant role, Daniels improved his three-point shooting and developed his floater in the lane, averaging 14.1 points per game with impressive shooting percentages. Although he secured a runner-up position for the Defensive Player of the Year award, he celebrated being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player and earning a place on the All-Defensive First Team.
High Aspirations Ahead
At just 22, Daniels set a very high standard for his first season, raising questions about his potential for the coming year. Following his Most Improved Player award, he expressed ambitious goals, indicating he believes he can achieve this title again, alongside aspirations of becoming a championship-caliber player.
Focus on Improvement
This summer marked a rare uninterrupted opportunity for Daniels to refine his skills. He dedicated time to enhancing his offensive game, particularly in the mid-range, while maintaining his defensive identity. By analyzing film and focusing on team defense, Daniels is determined to evolve into a more vocal leader on that end of the court.
Looking Towards the Future
Despite the added pressure from last season, Daniels welcomes the prospect of sharing defensive duties with new teammates like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and with Jalen Johnson’s return. The development of these defensive partnerships opens up new opportunities for Daniels while allowing him to focus on expanding his offensive capabilities, particularly as a ball-handler.
In summary, Daniels’ growth as an elite defender combined with his evolving offensive skill set makes him a critical asset for the Hawks as they aim to establish themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference. The upcoming season will reveal how much further he can elevate his game, showcasing both his individual skill and contributing to the team’s success.
