When Trae Young went down early in the season, the Atlanta Hawks found themselves in a bit of a jam. Enter Dyson Daniels, who unexpectedly stepped up to fill the playmaking void. With the team opting for a lineup without a traditional point guard, Daniels was thrust into a lead role, and he’s been turning heads ever since.
Daniels has always shown promise as a playmaker. Before making his NBA debut, he honed his skills with the G League Ignite, playing alongside top prospect Scoot Henderson.
This set the stage for his development, allowing him to grow without the pressure of being the main guy. Fast forward to this season, and Daniels’ evolution into a primary playmaker feels like a natural progression.
Last season, Daniels had the ball in his hands 17.0% of the time, a figure that placed him in the 49th percentile for shooting guards. This year, that number has jumped to 21.8%, putting him in the 84th percentile. It’s a fitting leap for someone who’s just secured a hefty $25 million annual contract.
Daniels has embraced his new responsibilities with aplomb. His potential assists per 100 possessions have climbed from the 78th to the 94th percentile, and he’s creating 5.0 more points off assists per 100 possessions, shooting up from the 67th to the 97th percentile.
However, with increased usage came an uptick in turnovers. His turnover percentage, which had been on a downward trend in his first three seasons, spiked to 20.0% early this season.
Despite this hiccup, Daniels has shown remarkable resilience. He’s steadily reduced his turnover percentage month by month, from a rocky start in November to an impressive 8.7% in March. This improvement speaks volumes about his basketball IQ and adaptability.
While his shooting from beyond the arc has been less than stellar at 12.9%, it hasn’t overshadowed his impact. Daniels has become a cornerstone of the Hawks’ offense, which leads the league in assists per 100 possessions. His ability to orchestrate plays and keep the offense fluid has been invaluable, making him a true point guard in every sense.
Daniels’ journey this season is a testament to his growth and potential. As he continues to refine his game, the Hawks’ future looks brighter with him steering the ship.