The Atlanta Hawks have put together a proper contending roster, but it will be one of their older stars who will steal the show.
The Atlanta Hawks saw the depleted state of the Eastern Conference at the end of this season and smelled blood in the water.
With the looming departure of Clint Capela hanging over their heads, the Hawks went and traded for Kristaps Porzingis, adding a championship-level center to their team.
The Hawks also landed Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Timberwolves via a sign-and-trade to give Trae Young a solid back-court partner.
But it won’t be any of their new signings that will make the biggest splash. Rather, it is a Hawks star who felt ‘robbed’ by NBA award voters at the end of last season.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesDyson Daniels looking for revenge after failed DPOY campaign
Last season, Dyson Daniels was absolutely sensational for the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 14.1 points per game en route to the Most Improved Player award last season.
However, there was another award that Daniels had his eye on last season – the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Daniels averaged an impressive 3.0 steals and 0.7 blocks per game with a defensive rating of 110.9, enough to earn him a nomination for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
In the end, Daniels would miss out on a double-award season, as Evan Mobley would win the DPOY award.
Expect Daniels to continue his upward trajectory, but by taking an increased focus on the defensive end to prove his doubters wrong.
Dyson Daniels could develop into elite two-way wing
The Atlanta Hawks star from down under showed last season that he can be effective on both ends of the court.
His elite defense and strong shooting from beyond the arc make him a valuable piece for the Hawks, as players of his mold are now more sought-after than ever before in the NBA.
Daniels will figure into the Hawks’ 2025-26 starting lineup, having earned his stripes last season, along with Quin Snyder’s trust in the process.
Expect Daniels to take an even bigger leap than he did last season and become one of the elite two-way wings in the entire NBA.