Dyson Daniels has since developed into this season's breakout defensive star Hawks acquired him in an offseason trade with New Orleans. The 21-year-old guard, who is currently in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year honors, spoke with him Grant Afseth from Sportskeeda about the work it takes to make a difference on defense.
“For me it’s just about reading the game” said Daniels, who leads the NBA with 3.1 steals per game. “When people turn around or are about to walk past, I try to read their eyes and time it right. defense is all about effort, active hands and commitment. Hopefully I can continue to have big steals games.”
The change of scenery and the associated longer playing time also unlocked Daniels' offensive game. He is averaging a career-high 14.4 points and 3.1 assists per night while shooting a career-best 45.1% from the field. He owes his development in this field to the intensive work with his shooting trainers.
“I learned the basics in New Orleans Fred Vinsonand then come here and work Kyle Korver – one of the best shooters of all time – was huge,” Daniels added. “It’s about getting in the gym, getting reps and shooting with confidence.”
There's more from the Southeast Division:
- Trae Young is available for tonight Hawks'Game in Cleveland, the team announced (via Twitter). He was listed as questionable due to suffering from right Achilles tendonitis. That was also the problem that caused Young to miss the Nov. 12 game in Boston, resulting in a $100,000 fine for a violation of the Player Participation Policy.
- wizard guard Jordan Poole According to Monumental Sports Network's Chase Hughes, he had been cleared to return after missing two games due to hip soreness (Twitter link).
- Hornets guard Tre man will miss his third straight game tonight due to lower back pain, according to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer (Twitter link). In a pregame meeting with reporters, coach Charles Lee explained that Mann had not responded to treatment as quickly as the team's coaching staff had hoped and that the decision to sideline him was made out of concern for his long-term health. Lee added that Mann has made some “slight” progress and the team's doctors will monitor his rehab and be careful how they treat him.
