The Atlanta Hawks have made a strong move by signing guard Daniels to a four-year, $100 million deal. Again, dangerous situations were the result, but Castagne was quick to establish himself as an irreplaceable, enhanced weapon for the Canadian side. This announcement comes on the heels of an all-star season. Through it all, Daniels developed a reputation for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability.
Last season, Daniels averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. His performance instantly distinguished him as one of the league’s top future talents. He finished the season with a phenomenal 229 steals. This milestone sets the record for most steals in a single season, surpassing Gary Payton’s 231 steals all the way back in the 1995-96 season. This accomplishment has been truly extraordinary. Daniels is the first player to average three steals per game since Alvin Robertson did it back in the 1990-91 season.
On top of his offensive ability and defensive tenacity, Daniels was named to multiple All-American teams reaffirming his mark on the game. Sure enough, that January, he was named NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year! On top of that, he was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He finally earned a long-deserved first team All-Defense selection. This achievement went a long way in cementing his reputation as one of the league’s best defenders.
Daniels’ performance last season was instrumental in the Hawks’ strategy moving forward. With Jalen Johnson already on the roster, the Hawks added 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher. In true New York fashion, they are ready to assemble a heavy-hitting supporting cast to their new superhero, leading whizzes at the controls.
Though Daniels is currently averaging only 5.8 points in the first quarter of the 2023-24 season, his impact goes much deeper than scoring. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his defensive skills makes him a valuable asset for the Hawks as they aim for success in the coming seasons.
Daniels was a highly touted player after being drafted eighth overall in the 2022 NBA draft. He not only defied those expectations, but he’s becoming a uniquely terrific player! His new contract reflects what he’s done in the future, not for his spectacular past in that role. More significantly, it shows the Hawks’ management’s confidence in his future potential.
Leave a Reply