After a season that included winning the Most Improved Player award and making the All-Defense First Team, many expected young Aussie Dyson Daniels to build on his breakout year.
The Atlanta Hawks clearly agreed, handing Daniels a four-year, $100 million contract extension after a brief standoff, cementing him as a key part of their core.
Unfortunately for Daniels, he’s had a nightmare start to the season, with his offensive game — expected to improve — looking shaky.
He’s currently averaging five points per game, shooting 32% from the field, hitting free throws at just 50%, and has made only one three-pointer so far.
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While his defensive impact remains — averaging two steals and half a block per game — most expected him to take another step offensively and become a bigger part of the Hawks’ attack.
So, is there cause for concern?
Despite the slow start, context matters — and after only four games, it’s far too early to panic.
Two of those outings came against tough road opponents in the defending champion OKC Thunder and the much-improved Toronto Raptors, who are notoriously harder to beat at home.
Even the Magic and Bulls, though not elite, are both expected to push for playoff spots this season. Beyond the schedule, roster changes in Atlanta have also played a role.
The Hawks’ bench rotation looks very different, and star big man Kristaps Porziņģis has replaced veteran centre Clint Capela.
Emerging forward Jalen Johnson — who missed half of last season through injury — is also back in the starting lineup.
As a result, Daniels is playing alongside a much different starting five than during his breakout 2025 campaign, when he had more freedom and offensive responsibility.
Porziņģis is a 20+ point-per-game scorer and a much higher-usage player than Capela, while Johnson’s offensive role continues to expand.
That makes Daniels the clear fourth option in the offense also behind franchise superstar Trae Young— an adjustment in itself, let alone building chemistry with new teammates.
It’s also easy to forget Daniels is still just 22 years old. To put that in perspective, several players from this year’s NBA rookie class are older than him.
Carrying the weight of a $100 million deal while adjusting to a new lineup is a lot for anyone, let alone a 22-year-old still developing his game — and that’s exactly what we’re seeing early on.
The Melbournian might have started slowly, but it’s far too soon to call it a concern, with every chance he finds his rhythm in the coming weeks.
Daniels still has years of growth ahead — the question isn’t whether he can match last year’s form, but how much better he can get.
Based on his work ethic and steady improvement, the answer is likely: significantly.
