‘He’s that good’: NBA legend’s big prediction for ‘insane’ Aussie

That’s where Dyson Daniels comes in, the young Aussie guard who has blossomed since joining the Hawks from the New Orleans Pelicans in the off-season.

In his third NBA campaign and first in Atlanta, the 21-year-old Daniels has been earning huge plaudits for his defensive prowess.

He currently leads the NBA with three steals per game, well ahead of Jalen Williams (2.2), Tari Eason (2.1) and Jordan Poole (1.9).

He’s also averaging 13.5 points, 5.1 boards and three assists for the Hawks and discussion around Daniels has already shifted towards his potential to win the defensive player of the year award.

During Sunday’s 107-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta’s third in a row, Hawks sideline reporter Wiley Ballard gave some insights into Daniels and the secret to his rapid improvement.

The youngster from Bendigo has been carefully studying some of the best players and most dangerous scorers in the NBA.

“Dyson Daniels is taking the league by storm, not just the steals numbers, he leads the league, but also the way he’s been able to shut down elite scorers,” Ballard explained.

“Whether it be (New York’s) Jalen Brunson, (Sacramento guard) De’Aaron Fox, and the key for Dyson when he’s gone up against those guys, he keeps very close eyes across the entire league.

“When the Hawks finish east coast games he’ll watch the west coast games.

“Then when a guy like Jalen Brunson or De’Aaron Fox or (Cleveland star) Donovan Mitchell comes up on the schedule, he’ll spend extra time trying to identify their strengths, take that away.

“He basically explained the biggest key for him is identifying. Take (Boston’s) Jayson Tatum, you can’t let him go side to side. De’Aaron Fox, you can’t let him go over the top.

“Donovan Mitchell is pretty hard to slow down, but ultimately (Daniels has) turned into one of the best defenders in the league.”

That’s where Hawks commentator Wilkins stepped in.

The nine-time All-Star, slam dunk king and one of the 75 best players in league history didn’t hold back in his assessment.

The defensive player of the year honour is usually reserved for big men, with Michael Jordan (1988), Gary Payton (1996) and Marcus Smart (2022) the only guards to win the award in almost four decades.

But Wilkins believes Daniels is right on track.

“Well you’re absolutely right,” he replied to Ballard. “And I think if he keeps going the way he’s going, he’s going to be defensive player of the year.

“That’s my personal opinion. He’s that good.”

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was also asked about Daniels after the two matched up late last month.

Irving, who was born in Australia, said it’s impossible not to notice the athletic 201cm Daniels.

“Yeah for sure. I think everybody who’s been going against him feels it,” he said.

“That’s my Aussie brother, I knew I was going to be challenged from the beginning to the end and that’s what this game is about.

“You know, you go against the best. I’ve seen a lot of great defenders over these past few games and I thanked (Daniels) at the end of the game for making me better.

“And that’s what this craft is about.”

The young Aussie is also earning huge plaudits on social media.

One fan wrote on X: “He’s so much better than I originally thought. A legitimate DPOY candidate. Imagine if (New Orleans) had Daniels, Jones and Murphy all flying around at the same time. Offences would struggle so settle into anything whatsoever.”

Another wrote: “Dude is actually an insane defender. Love watching him play.”

The Hawks, who are sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 10-11 record, face the Pelicans, Bucks and Lakers this coming week.