Atlanta Hawks Media Day: 3 Key Takeaways

Despite his ability to hound ball-handlers, Alexander-Walker hasn’t averaged 1+ steal per game since the 2020-21 campaign. Daniels can certainly help him in this department, but both defenders can learn from each other. Alexander-Walker, who established himself as a premier on-ball defender with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is a top screen-navigator who stays attached to a guard’s hip when fighting over picks. Daniels can improve in this area.

Notably, Snyder coached Alexander-Walker for 15 games while with the Utah Jazz. On Monday, he acknowledged how much he has improved since 2022. “He’s really evolved as a player … He’s a better shooter, better passer, [and] a better defender,” said Snyder.

Kristaps Porzingis, Trae Young Form Dangerous Threat

Trae Young has had the ball in his hands ever since his rookie 2018-19 campaign. The Hawks have not added many shot-creators or initiators who command double-teams outside of their four-time All-Star. However, Porziņģis changes this in a big way. At 7-foot-3, he can take advantage of mismatches down low and shoot over smaller defenders from deep. Young detailed to reporters what the addition of the star big man does for his and the team’s offense this season.

“I have a guy in [Porziņģis] that draws double teams … It’s elements of my game that you probably haven’t seen yet, and adding the guys we added this summer will allow me to play even more off the ball,” emphasized Young. Porziņģis demonstrated his unique blend of passing, shooting, and rim-protection in EuroBasket this summer.

The threat of Porziņģis popping out to the 3-point line on a screen forces defenses to make a difficult decision – stop Young from turning the corner or give up an open shot from deep. Luke Kennard, Alexander-Walker, and Porziņģis can all make plays, allowing Young to find open looks or make decisions off the ball.

With that in mind, the Latvian big man called Atlanta’s star guard “the best passer in the league” (h/t Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks). It’s safe to say Porziņģis could see some of the most open shots in his career alongside Young in the Hawks’ fast-paced, motion offense.

Dyson Daniels Details Offseason Work

Daniels took home the Most Improved Player award last season after improving his offensive numbers across the board. At media day, he told reporters he worked with his trainer to enhance his in-between game. “I worked a lot on my midrange game… different pickups, different shots… developing an offensive bag…,” said Daniels.

Last season, he consistently went to a spin move followed by a floater a lot when he broke the paint. Defenses might predict this move next season because of how much he depended on it.

Daniels’ shot-making off-the-dribble is still a work in progress. However, if he stops and pops from midrange, it keeps defenders honest rather than sitting on the spin.