Aussie Star Dyson Daniels Faces NBA Shooting Slump After Breakout Season
Dyson Daniels, the Australian NBA star, faces a challenging season following his breakout year. At 22 years old, he won the Most Improved Player award and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Known for being a top perimeter defender, Daniels has established himself as a key player for the Atlanta Hawks.
Offensive Struggles in the 2025-26 Season
This season, however, has not gone as planned for Daniels. His offensive performance has significantly dropped. Currently, he is shooting only 11.3% from three-point range compared to a career-high 34% last season. This decline poses challenges for his overall game performance.
Impact on Game Play
- Daniels has not made a three-pointer since December 15, totaling 13 games without a successful attempt.
- He has attempted at least one three-point shot in every game, except for two during that span.
- His average points per game have decreased from 14.1 last season to 11.9 this season.
Daniels still contributes effectively near the basket. However, his shooting difficulties hinder his offense. As playoff competition intensifies, these weaknesses may be highlighted by opposing teams.
Future Challenges for Daniels and the Hawks
Additionally, his current shooting struggles could impact his performance with the Australian Boomers in the World Cup next year. This concern is significant, especially alongside teammate Josh Giddey, who also experiences inconsistent shooting.
Team Changes and Expectations
In January, the Hawks made a significant roster change by trading star guard Trae Young to Washington. This move aimed to create cap space and empower rising star Jalen Johnson. As a result, Atlanta has demonstrated a strong defensive presence, partially attributed to Daniels’ defensive skills.
Daniels recently signed a four-year contract extension worth $149 million with the Hawks. However, the team currently occupies ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 20-21, contending for a playoff position alongside teams like Miami, Cleveland, Orlando, and Philadelphia. For Daniels to solidify his role, he must improve his three-point shooting and elevate his overall impact on the court.
