Daniels Flying High with the Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks raised eyebrows when they traded Dejounte Murray for Dyson Daniels, but the move appears to be paying major dividends. 

The Australian guard has become the lynchpin of the Hawks’ defence and the poster boy for a trade that could go down as one of the most lopsided in NBA history.

If Daniels maintains his current rate of progress, he will be a leading candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award at the end of the season.

The Trade that Changed Everything

The Hawks shook hands with the New Orleans Pelicans over a deal that dominated the headlines with Murray and Daniels swapping teams. 

Daniels’ inclusion in the deal barely moved the needle. It was not an acquisition that got the fans off their seat despites showing glimpses of his potential in New Orleans.

The headlines focused on the Pelicans getting their hands on Murray, a two-way guard with All-Star credentials. Daniels was nothing more than an afterthought, packaged alongside Larry Nance Jr. Cody Zeller and draft picks. However, he has gleefully grabbed the opportunity.

The Hawks were struggling to find their bearings in defence, but Daniels has proved to be the solution they have been craving. His ability to seamlessly switch positions, disrupt passing lanes and guard the league’s best forwards has been a game-changer for the Hawks.

Daniels’ move to Atlanta has been a case of the right player in the right system working wonders, and the Pelicans may rue their decision to discard him.

Daniels in the Mix for the DPOY Award

Daniels is already getting DPOY shouts, and his staggering numbers during the early part of the season suggest he is on the way to clinching the coveted prize.

The Aussie star boasted a league-leading 3.8 steals per game after 14 games, which has been key to the Hawks’ fast start to the season.

Throw in his 7.3 deflections per game, and you are looking at a player who disrupts the opposition at every chance, with Daniels transforming their identity on the defensive end.

While Daniels is flourishing defensively, his offensive game has also gone up a notch, with the youngster ranking third in largest points per game increase from last season (+9.5). He has also logged multiple games with six or more steals – numbers reminiscent of peak Kawhi Leonard.  

Apart from steals, Daniels excels in 1v1 matchups, using his sizeable frame and lightning-quick instincts to smother opponents. His defensive versatility allows him to guard positions one through four, making him invaluable in an era defined by switch-heavy schemes.  

Daniels’ DPOY shouts are not unfounded. His breakthrough campaign has set off a betting frenzy in Australia, where NBA fans have historically thrown their weight behind local stars.

Several NBA betting apps in Australia have been inundated with wagers on Daniels, with punters confident he can claim the award. Bookmakers will be forced to slash his odds if he maintains his current momentum, and Aussie fans will make every Hawks game a must-watch event.

Daniels Could Go the Distance

Daniels’ chances of claiming the DPOY award at the end of the season hinge on several factors, including his team’s overall performance.

Voters tend to favour players from the top teams, which could place the more established stars ahead of Daniels. The Hawks must climb into play-off contention to boost his odds.

The Aussie star also has room for improvement. His shooting percentages – 27% from beyond the arc and 53% from the free throw line – leave much to be desired. If he can develop a more reliable jumper, he will become a two-way force capable of dominating both ends of the floor.

Paired with other young talents such as Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher, Daniels is a key part of a young Hawks side that could dominate the NBA if they live up to expectations.

Daniels is a promising young player, and his trajectory suggests his chances of claiming the DPOY award this season are reasonably promising.

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