Brad Rowland here, the host of the daily Locked On Hawks podcast, with your daily Locked On Hawks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hawks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Dyson Daniels and the Afterglow of a Celtics Upset
Nov 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) reacts after his three point basket against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images|David Butler II/David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks have shown flashes of intrigue this season, and a significant part of that can be attributed to the impressive performance of Dyson Daniels. After 12 games, Daniels has emerged as a key player, showcasing his skills and potential on the court. His recent performances have not only caught the attention of Hawks fans but also the national audience, especially after his standout game against Boston that marked a career-high in scoring.
Daniels’ ability to adapt and excel in different roles has been a revelation. Recently, he took on the point guard position out of necessity, demonstrating his versatility and proving that he can drive against smaller players with ease. This adaptability is crucial for the Hawks, especially when they need someone to step up and take charge on the offensive end. His aggressive approach, particularly in driving to the rim and finishing through contact, has been a game-changer.
Daniels’ Defensive Mastery
Daniels’ defensive prowess is the lead aspect of his game that has been turning heads. Averaging an astounding 7.6 deflections per game, he is setting a new standard in the NBA. To put this into perspective, no player has averaged more than four deflections per game in the last three seasons. His 3.6 steals per game further highlight his defensive capabilities, putting him on track for a historic season in terms of steals.
What sets Daniels apart is his ability to achieve these numbers without being a “steals merchant"—a term used for players who gamble for steals at the expense of solid defense. Instead, Daniels combines his defensive aggression with intelligence, often guarding the opposition’s top players and making life difficult for them. His impact is not just individual; it elevates the entire team’s defense, making it easier for his teammates to perform their roles effectively.
The Impact on Team Dynamics
Daniels’ emergence has also influenced the dynamics within the Hawks. His willingness to be more aggressive and help star player Trae Young on offense has been a significant development. Daniels’ increased shot attempts and assertiveness are key moving forward, especially in tandem with his defense.
Moreover, Daniels’ presence on the court has been a boon for the Hawks’ big men. His defensive efforts reduce the pressure on the backline defenders, allowing them to focus on their roles without being overwhelmed by the opposition’s offensive threats. This synergy is crucial for the Hawks as they navigate the challenges of the season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Dyson Daniels’ impact and the Atlanta Hawks’ strategies, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
- The role of Jalen Johnson in the Hawks’ lineup
- Analyzing the Hawks’ shooting performance and its impact
- Upcoming games and key matchups for the Hawks
- Injury updates and their implications for the team’s strategy
- A look at the Eastern Conference standings and the Hawks’ position
Traditionally, press defenses are a weapon of last resort in the NBA, fit only for highly specific scenarios or times of desperation. Professional basketball players simply are too good at passing and dribbling to be susceptible to large doses of full-court press — or so the thinking went. But the thinking, it is a-changin’.
Synergy’s database goes back to the 2008-2009 season, and before last year, only one team had used press on even 5% of their defensive possessions: the 2020-21 Charlotte Hornets.
Last year, however, we saw a notable rise in the press defense, thanks to two teams. The Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers both beat Charlotte’s mark. Portland led the league by pressing 7.2% of the time, yielding only .94 points per possession (well below their typical defensive rating of 1.04, although that’s not by any means an apples-to-apples comparison), and I predicted that this year, the Blazers — featuring heavy doses of ambulatory fly paper Toumani Camara — would crack 10%.
I had the right idea but the wrong team. Instead, the Pacers are currently pressing 11.9% of the time, followed closely by Brooklyn’s 11.5% (the Blazers come in third, with a still historically high 8.4%). In retrospect, Indiana’s surging interest in the press shouldn’t be a huge surprise — they picked up full-court on nearly a quarter of their possessions in last year’s playoffs. That’s insane!
They haven’t been quite that extreme this year, but look at this graph of every team’s percentage of defensive possessions in press defense:
Six teams in total are pressing more than 5% of the time. 22 of the league’s 30 teams are pressing more this year than last (with the caveat that we’re talking about a couple dozen possessions or fewer for many of these teams), and this is by far the most press we’ve seen since the data became available. Given the weaknesses we mentioned in the opening paragraph, why is the press gaining popularity?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis In an insightful interview, Larry Nance Jr. discusses his journey with the Atlanta Hawks, his role alongside Trae Young, and the potential of young star Zaccharie Risacher. (Peachtree Hoops)
Roster The Hawks are not taking guard Dyson Daniels for granted, appreciating his contributions both on and off the court. (AJC)
Analysis Sam Vecenie of the Athletic breaks down how this year’s rookies have started. I don’t agree with all of his picks, but he’s always thoughtful with his selections and insightful with his analysis. (NY Times, Subscription required)
Personnel HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto goes behind the scenes with the Indiana Pacers’ coaching staff. Mostly, you get a better appreciation for how little coaches sleep!
Must Read Jared Dubin investigates the rise in dunks over time for his newsletter “Last Night, In Basketball.” It’s a fun, breezy read! (Last Night, Subscription required)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Wednesday’s Notable Fantasy Basketball Performances
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images|Photo By Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, keeping an eye on emerging talents and consistent performers is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the standout performances of three young guns, as well as the continued dominance of Giannis, and explore their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star?
Donovan Clingan’s recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere. With 31 minutes on the court, Clingan delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering eight blocks. His ability to dominate the paint and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton’s injury status. While Clingan’s long-term role remains uncertain, his current form makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of blocks and rebounds.
Jared McCain: Rookie on the Rise
Jared McCain has quickly become a hot topic in fantasy circles, thanks to his explosive performance in the absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. McCain’s 34-point game, complete with six three-pointers and 10 assists, showcases his potential as a high-usage player. While his current role is bolstered by injuries to teammates, McCain’s talent is undeniable. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters, but remain cautious about his long-term value once the team’s stars return.
Click the button below to see how Giannis continues to be a fantasy force, and why for Victor Wembanyama, the future is now.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Shooting nightmare sends Hawks to loss in San Francisco The show focuses on Wednesday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Golden State Warriors, including Atlanta’s clean injury report, a shooting nightmare for the Hawks, encouraging defense, a total collapse at the end of the first half, and much more.
Hawks bounce back with roller coaster win over Kings The show focuses on Monday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Sacramento Kings, including the surprise absence of Jalen Johnson, the return of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kobe Bufkin, a lights-out start, a three-point shooting barrage by Sacramento, De’Andre Hunter’s strong play, Trae Young’s passing brilliance, Dyson Daniels sealing the game, and much more.
Third quarter disaster, turnover issues doom Hawks in road loss to Blazers The show focuses on Sunday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trail Blazers, headlined by a disastrous third quarter and widespread turnover issues for Atlanta. Topics also include rough late-game execution, defensive rebounding problems, the return of Vit Krejci, and much more.
