Dyson Daniels is aiming for a major offensive step forward in his third season with the Atlanta Hawks, who are coming off a 113-110 preseason win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 12. The defensive specialist has made his three-point shot a primary focus this summer after a difficult shooting campaign last year.
Shooting is the clear priority. Daniels was blunt about his struggles from last season. "Obviously shooting was very bad last year for me and it's been a focal point for me in this offseason," he said. His three-point percentage plummeted to 18.8% in his second Hawks campaign, a drop that visibly affected his confidence. He spent the summer rebuilding his mechanics, focusing on generating more rhythm and leg energy to improve a shot he described as too flat.
Daniels knows his value isn't solely as a spot-up shooter. He thrives on drives, using his size and crafty spin moves in the paint. But without a reliable outside shot, defenses sagged off him. This was painfully evident in the playoffs against the New York Knicks, who often left him open on the perimeter. While he improved to 28% from three in that series, the strategy limited his driving lanes.
It was a step back offensively after a spectacular debut. Daniels won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in his first Atlanta season, averaging an incredible three steals per game. He believed he could reach another level. Last season, his defensive on-ball prowess remained, but the offensive growth stalled. That shooting slump snowballed, leading to hesitation on open looks.
The Hawks' preseason games have offered a new context. They've gone 3-1 in exhibition play, with wins over the Thunder, Indiana Pacers (119-117 on October 10), and San Antonio Spurs (123-116 on October 8), plus a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies (132-123 on October 5). These contests are a testing ground for Daniels' offseason work.
Improving his corner three-pointer is a specific target. Hitting those open looks would force defenders to close out, creating better driving opportunities. Daniels also worked on his interior game. "Just a lot of playing off two feet in the paint using my size," he noted. He wants to be more physical and draw more fouls.
The Hawks wrap up their preseason schedule against the Dallas Mavericks on October 16. It's one final chance to build rhythm before the regular season tips off. For Daniels, any shooting improvement will open up the floor for himself and his teammates. After last year's frustrations, a bounce-back seems likely.
