The Curious Top 3 Case of Dyson Daniels

Finishing Ability

As previously mentioned, Dyson has many moves when heading into the paint. Not one to rise over the defense, Daniels is one of the more contact-averse players in the class, averaging just over one trip to the free-throw line per game.

Dyson rarely was one to dunk in traffic unless when dunking a putback attempt, but his length allowed him to finish around longer defenders. His ability to finish with both hands makes him a tough guard at the rim. His control in the air enables him to read the help of the second-level defender. He can then adjust, finding an open look at the rim or a teammate. 

Dyson has two signature moves when he doesn’t get to the rim. The first is the spin over his shoulder. Driving in and decelerating, Dyson is able to put his back into the defender and spin over his left shoulder for a floater. This move proved deadly throughout the season and is one of the more aesthetically pleasing floaters.

The second option is when Dyson gets stuck. Suppose the big steps up on him as he drives into the paint. Dyson’s ability to quickly stop allows him to catch the big off guard as he rises over him, for again, a beautiful floater. If the floater is unavailable, there is often an open big or cutter in the dunker spot due to his gravity as a driver. With long arms and a soft touch around the rim, Dyson can get the ball over even the tallest of rim protectors and forces defenses to collapse on him as a driver.

Daniels’ contact-averse status is surprising, considering his Australian Football background. Against some of the larger bodies in the G League, this can be highly taxing on the body, feeling the jump in competition Dyson took.

Still, a lot of this could come down to him being one of the skinnier and younger players in the class and his uncomfortableness in his current body. Going from 6’4″ to 6’8″ in two years is a huge adjustment, and his core control may suffer through contact. Dyson could become a more effective finisher with additional weight and comfortability in his body.