Dyson Daniels’ evolution into a well-rounded player is a testament to his work ethic and dedication. His offensive growth, coupled with his elite defense, has positioned him as one of the most exciting young players in the league
For now, Daniels remains focused on the task at hand—helping his team win while continuing to develop his game.
If his recent performances are any indication, the best is yet to come.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge 200 delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the season so far.
As the season progresses, Daniels is focused on continuing to grow his game while helping the team push toward their goals. He knows there’s always room for improvement and is committed to putting in the work to take his game to the next level.
“There’s a lot more I want to add to my game,” Daniels said. “Whether it’s my shooting, my decision-making, or my defense, I want to keep getting better. The great thing is that I’m in a place where I can do that.”
With the support of the coaching staff, the influence of experienced veterans, and a team culture that encourages growth, Daniels is in a prime position to thrive in Atlanta. His journey is just beginning, and the Hawks are betting on his potential to be a key piece of their future success.
Also Read: Dyson Daniels Shines Tonight: Breaking Down the Hawks Rookie’s Stats Against the Pelicans
Table of Contents
Dyson Daniels on Trust from Coaching Staff and Freedom to Grow
The Confidence Boost from Coaching
Dyson Daniels credits Atlanta’s coaching staff for his growing confidence on the court.1
Their approach has provided him and his teammates with the freedom to play their game without fear of making mistakes.
“I feel like the coaching staff really instills confidence in everyone,” Daniels told Sportskeeda. “They let people go out there and be themselves, play free, make plays, do what they do. So, you know, I feel like when you come here, it’s very open, very free, just to kind of be yourself and go out there.”
This open-ended philosophy has allowed Daniels to focus on skill development, which has been instrumental in his progression.
“Getting the work in early, before practice, and after practice is where you can really develop your skills, your touch, your shot, and things like that,” Daniels explained. “But I think on the court, it’s just letting us play free, open-minded, not limiting us to do certain things. They let us just go out there and be ourselves.”
New Faces Making an Impact
Atlanta’s front office has actively retooled the roster, bringing in players like Georges Niang, Caris LeVert, and Terance Mann. Each has played a key role in shaping the team’s competitive edge.
“I think they complement our team really well and they play the right way,” Daniels noted. “They play the playing style that coach wants us to play. They play fast, they defend, they shoot the ball well. They do all the little things as well. They play hard.”
These new additions align with head coach Quin Snyder’s system, focusing on versatility and efficiency.
“They’re like the perfect pieces to fit into the way that Coach Q wants to play,” Daniels said. “Credit to them coming in and learning real quick and stepping out there on the floor and doing their thing.”
Georges Niang’s Leadership and Vocal Presence
For young players like Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher, having seasoned veterans in the locker room has been invaluable. One of the key veteran voices has been Georges Niang.
“George is a really good leader, a vocal leader,” Daniels said. “He’s really good with his voice. He’s a vet, he knows his stuff, so for him to share that knowledge with the younger guys, like Zach today with the shooting drills, it’s only going to help going forward.”
Niang’s experience playing alongside players like Mike Conley and Joe Ingles has shaped his leadership style, and he sees mentorship as a natural part of his role.
“Whenever I have a piece of knowledge that I want to share and maybe I think that’ll help, I definitely try and do that,” Niang told Sportskeeda. “Especially with these young guys, because who doesn’t want to see this game grow?”
The Importance of a Supportive Environment
Daniels emphasized how crucial it is to have a coaching staff and team environment that fosters growth and confidence. He believes that the freedom given by the coaching staff has allowed him to develop into a more complete player.
“When you know that your coaches trust you, it makes a huge difference,” Daniels explained. “You don’t feel like you have to play perfect basketball every time. You can take risks, make plays, and really learn from your experiences.”
For a young player trying to establish himself in the NBA, this type of environment can be the difference between reaching potential and stagnation. The Atlanta Hawks have given Daniels that space to flourish.
Dyson Daniels: Building Chemistry with New Teammates
Integrating new players into a team midseason isn’t always easy, but Atlanta’s acquisitions have adapted quickly.2
For Daniels, developing chemistry with them has been a seamless process.
“Guys like Caris and George came from different situations, but they fit in well because of the way we play,” Daniels said. “We play fast, we move the ball, and we trust each other. When you have guys that come in and embrace that, it makes things easier.”
This chemistry has translated onto the court, where the Hawks have seen improved ball movement and defensive cohesion since the new players arrived.
This is crazy https://t.co/211rbnLz07
— Dyson daniels (@DysonDaniels) May 6, 2023
Learning from Veterans and Role Models
Having veteran players to learn from is a critical component of a young player’s development, and Daniels has embraced that aspect wholeheartedly. He’s found that soaking up knowledge from experienced teammates has accelerated his growth.
“Being able to learn from guys who’ve been in the league for years is huge,” Daniels said. “They’ve seen it all, they know what it takes to win, and they understand the game on a different level.”
This willingness to learn is something Niang has noticed and appreciates in his younger teammates.
“The ones who are willing to learn are the ones who usually progress and reach their full potential,” Niang said. “It’s great to see young guys like Dyson and Zaccharie taking those lessons to heart.”
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Dyson Daniels’ Offensive Growth
A Case for the Most Improved Player Award
Dyson Daniels has long been known for his defensive prowess. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and guard multiple positions has made him an invaluable asset on the floor.3
However, for much of his early career, Daniels was viewed as a defensive specialist rather than a two-way player. That perception is rapidly changing.
As Daniels continues to dominate defensively, his offensive game has undergone significant development.
He has earned a more prominent role in Quin Snyder’s offense and has maximized his opportunities with efficient scoring and playmaking. This evolution has led to serious consideration for the NBA’s Most Improved Player (MIP) award.
Expanding His Offensive Arsenal
Daniels’ offensive growth is rooted in his dedication to refining key aspects of his game. One of the biggest improvements has been in his floater and catch-and-shoot jumpers.
While these areas were previously weaknesses, they are now strengths that add layers to his offensive repertoire.
“The floater’s been really good lately,“The three ball started to fall the last 20 games or so—that’s been really good.
For me, it’s just taking steps every day, developing my handle, my floater, my mid-range game. Any little thing I can do to better my game.”
The Role of Confidence in His Shooting
Confidence has played a crucial role in Daniels’ offensive emergence. He acknowledges that playing alongside high-usage stars like Trae Young has helped create open opportunities for him.
“With guys like Trae getting double-teamed and players getting into the paint, I’m getting some easy kick-out threes,” Daniels explained.
“I take them with confidence. I work on my shot, so it’s about letting them fly. They’ve been falling lately, which is good, so I’ll continue to let them fly.”
This newfound confidence has led to an uptick in his three-point shooting percentage, making him a more dangerous floor spacer. His willingness to take shots without hesitation has not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates.
Daniel Hemric: Increased Playmaking Responsibilities
Another area where Daniels has seen a significant leap is in his playmaking.
The coaching staff has entrusted him with more ball-handling duties, and he has thrived in this expanded role.
“I think it’s more opportunity—playing with the ball in my hands more, coming off pick-and-rolls, finding guys,” Daniels told Sportskeeda. “Guys making shots.
The more opportunity I’ve had, the more minutes, the more I have the ball in my hands, the more assists come. I enjoy doing it. If I can keep my turnovers down and assists up, I’m doing my job. I’m just happy with the role I’m in right now.”
His growth as a playmaker has been reflected in his assist numbers, which have steadily increased throughout the season.
This ability to facilitate for his teammates while maintaining a low turnover rate has solidified his importance to the team’s offense.
Coach Quin Snyder’s Perspective on Daniels’ Growth
Head coach Quin Snyder has been impressed with Daniels’ development, particularly his evolving offensive mindset.
“As the year has gone on, he’s attacking the rim even more; he’s shooting the ball—he had a shot [against the 76ers] in the high quadrant where he just pulled it without any hesitation or thought,” Snyder told Sportskeeda. “Just playing with confidence.”
Snyder’s endorsement underscores the trust that the coaching staff has in Daniels. This trust has translated into more minutes, more touches, and ultimately, more production.
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Statistical Evidence of Improvement
Numbers don’t lie, and Daniels’ statistical growth paints a clear picture of his improvement:
- Points per game: Increased significantly compared to last season
- Three-point percentage: A noticeable rise due to increased volume and confidence
- Assists per game: Higher due to increased ball-handling duties
- Turnover rate: Improved efficiency with the ball
These statistical strides bolster his case for the MIP award, proving that his impact goes beyond just the eye test.
MIP Consideration: How Daniels Stacks Up
The Most Improved Player award typically goes to a player who has made a significant leap in production and impact.
Daniels’ case is strengthened by his transition from a defensive-minded role player to a legitimate offensive contributor.
When compared to other MIP candidates, Daniels stands out due to his two-way ability. Many players improve offensively, but few make such a dramatic leap while maintaining elite defensive skills.
This dual impact gives Daniels an edge over some of his competitors.
Areas for Continued Growth
While Daniels has made significant progress, he still has room for growth. Some areas where he can continue to improve include:
- Consistency from beyond the arc: Maintaining his shooting efficiency over an entire season
- Finishing through contact: Adding strength to finish better at the rim
- Free throw shooting: Increasing his percentage to maximize scoring opportunities
If Daniels continues to refine these aspects of his game, his ceiling will rise even higher.
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