The Atlanta Hawks have two significant omissions from ESPN's controversial preseason Top 100 player rankings, with Onyeka Okongwu and Dyson Daniels both excluded. The list did include four Hawks, but the absence of Okongwu and Daniels has become a major talking point among fans and analysts.
Onyeka Okongwu is coming off a career year that should have made him a lock for the list. He averaged 15.2 points per game and shot an impressive 37.6 percent from three-point range on over five attempts per game. That percentage ranked among the best for NBA centers. Defensively, his versatility to guard multiple positions was a key asset for Atlanta's defense. He also provided consistent stability, playing a career-high 31.0 minutes per game through various team injuries and roster changes at the center spot.
Dyson Daniels had a more complex season, but his overall value was immense. His three-point shooting dipped to 18 percent, a clear weak spot. However, he compensated by essentially playing as the team's point-center, posting career highs in rebounds and assists while limiting turnovers. Daniels remained an elite defender, averaging 2.0 steals per game to tie for the league lead. His all-around efficiency and defensive impact made him indispensable for the Hawks' scheme.
For Okongwu and Daniels, the ranking is likely extra motivation. Both players are entering seasons where they can directly answer their critics by elevating their games further. Okongwu can continue to expand his offensive repertoire and prove his defensive worth against larger opponents. Daniels will undoubtedly work on his perimeter shot, knowing that improvement there would silence most doubts about his overall ranking. Their development is central to Atlanta's playoff ambitions this year. Fans can track their progress and the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The exclusion from ESPN's list seems to undervalue what these two bring to the court every night. Okongwu's two-way growth and Daniels' unique defensive playmaking were foundational to the Hawks last season. As the new campaign tips off, both have a prime opportunity to show the league that top-100 status isn't just about popularity-it's about production.
