'Dire' Daniels statistic everyone is talking about

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The box score doesn't lie – Australian point guard Dyson Daniels is 7-from-63 from three point range in the 2025-26 season for the Atlanta Hawks.

The 22-year-old Melbourne-born Australian Boomer is shooting just 11.3%.

But it only tells half the story.

Daniels' role has fundamentally changed this season. He was the NBA's Most Improved Player last season, a perimeter stopper playing alongside All-Star Trae Young, finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year Award, and was All-NBA Defensive First Team.

This season he's moved to the point guard, was a catalyst for Young being traded to the Washington Wizards and has played the second most minutes of any player in the NBA at 1,368 in 40 games. Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey has logged the most with 1,426.

Last season, Daniels took 3.1 threes per game and knocked them down at 34%. This season he's taking just 1.6 per game – half – but he's still shooting 50% from the field. Daniels (56.7%) is third to reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2P FG% at 59.9% and Donovan Mitchell (58.9%) for primary ball handlers who have played more than 1,000 minutes, and attempted more than 350 2P/FG.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell are both perennial All-Stars who have been running offenses since they both entered the league.

"That’s my go-to anytime I get to my floater," Daniels said.

"When I get there, I feel very comfortable. For me, it’s about trying to get to the foul, line a little more as well now, and going through contact.

"Obviously my shot’s been terrible this year, but it’s something I’m going to continue to work on. It’s about confidence and trusting it.

"But yeah, the floater is what I feel comfortable getting to, so anytime I can get to that, I want to do that."

Dyson Daniels — Year-by-Year Box Scores

• ‍2022–23 (NOP) — G: 59 │ GS: 11 │ MIN: 17.7 │ PTS: 3.8 │ REB: 3.2 │ AST: 2.3 │ STL: 0.7 │ BLK: 0.2 │ FG: .418 │ 3PT: .314 (1.5 att) │ FT: .650 │ eFG: .483‍
• 2023–24 (NOP) — G: 61 │ GS: 16 │ MIN: 22.3 │ PTS: 5.8 │ REB: 3.9 │ AST: 2.7 │ STL: 1.4 │ BLK: 0.4 │ FG: .447 │ 3PT: .311 (2.2 att) │ FT: .642 │ eFG: .514‍
• 2024–25 (ATL) — G: 76 │ GS: 76 │ MIN: 33.8 │ PTS: 14.1 │ REB: 5.9 │ AST: 4.4 │ STL: 3.0 │ BLK: 0.7 │ FG: .493 │ 3PT: .340 (3.1 att) │ FT: .593 │ eFG: .536‍
• 2025–26 (ATL) — G: 40 │ GS: 40 │ MIN: 34.3 │ PTS: 12.7 │ REB: 6.6 │ AST: 6.2 │ STL: 1.9 │ BLK: 0.5 │ FG: .500 │ 3PT: .113 (1.6 att) │ FT: .620 │ eFG: .508

Daniels is averaging career-highs in minutes (34.3) rebounds (6.6) and assists (6.2) and 50% from the field but a career low 62% from the free throw line.

At the start of the season he was a point of attack defensive guard until Young was injured just a couple of games in. Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder moved him to the 1 and his role fundamentally changed. The shift hasn't just impacted his three-point percentage, he also securing less steals. Last season, Daniels won the Steals title averaging 3.0 per game, this season he's third at 1.9 SPG.

Again, this is a direct reflection to his role change. He's no longer defending off the catch, he's slowing the ball every possession.

Daniels is learning how to be an NBA point guard in real time. It led to his first triple double in 236 career games against the Denver Nuggets on January 10, 2026. He had 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 11-87 win.

"It’s been a long time coming, so to finally get one feels good," Daniels said.

"I’m just glad, you know, we got the win. There was a great last quarter for us.

"You know, we struggled in that area, so to really come out and put the foot down in that fourth quarter was good for our momentum going forward.

"Last I knew, I was close. I just didn’t know how close, ’cause I didn’t really have the scoreboard where you can see it on. So I was just, you know, going for every rebound, and I stole JJ’s again.

"I knew I was close, I just didn’t know exactly how close though."

Daniels has scored 15 points or more in 11 games, eight rebounds or more 17 games, eight assists or more 15 games and has +10 assists in four games.

He's had 356 two-point attempts, 62 three-point attempts, which means 85% of all FGA are inside the arc. He hasn't shot a three in 14 of his 40 games this season.

Obviously, the danger for the Hawks is opponents can go under on all actions but there's always a trade off.

When Young was on the floor, Atlanta's defensive rating was 122.1 when he wasn't it was about 113. When Young played this season the Hawks were 2-8, when he didn't they went 13-8. They are now third in the Southeast Division at 20-21.

Yes, Daniels is shooting 11.3 from deep but it's the price the Hawks are willing to pay for now. Another off-season in the "lab" and it will improve.

He's a legitimate two-way point guard with an elite ability to finish at the rim. His value goes far beyond his ability to knock down the three ball.