Dyson Daniels’ dedication to defense has earned him a starting position in his rookie season with the Atlanta Hawks and recognition across the NBA. The guard, who led the league in steals while significantly enhancing his scoring, rebounding, and assisting capabilities, was awarded the NBA’s most improved player on Wednesday. Daniels outperformed fellow nominees Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers and Cade Cunningham of Detroit.
“You have to make a mark somehow, and I’ve done that defensively,” Daniels expressed. The 22-year-old secured a starting role at shooting guard for the Hawks following his arrival through a trade that saw Dejounte Murray moving to New Orleans on July 6. Initially recognized for his defensive prowess, Daniels took full advantage of injuries and additional trades, blending seamlessly with Trae Young as a formidable scoring option and contributor across the board. “Several people told me my defense is contagious,” Daniels noted, emphasizing his commitment. “As a team, there’s still more to achieve defensively, but this season marked progress.”
Daniels now finds himself integral to the Hawks’ core, alongside Trae Young, forward Jalen Johnson, and the 2024 top NBA draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, who was recently the runner-up for the rookie of the year to San Antonio’s Stephon Castle. He dominated the NBA with 229 steals, the largest count since Gary Payton’s 231 in the 1995-96 season and narrowly finished second to Evan Mobley from Cleveland for the defensive player of the year accolade. Daniels has affectionately been nicknamed the “Great Barrier Thief,” an homage to his Australian roots and exceptional defensive skills.
His notable advancements across the board in scoring, defense, rebounding, and play-making led to his recognition as the NBA’s most improved player. In Atlanta, Daniels’ scoring leapt from 5.8 points per game with New Orleans in 2023-24 to 14.1, with rebounds rising from 3.9 to 5.9, steals from 1.4 to 3.0, and assists from 2.7 to 4.4. Daniels is now just the fifth player since 1973-74 to average at least 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals, joining an elite group including Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Michael Ray Richardson, and Alvin Robertson.
Quin Snyder, the Hawks’ coach, has backed Daniels for the top defensive player title, acknowledging his comprehensive talents. “His on-ball effectiveness is remarkable,” Snyder remarked. “His drive and fearlessness ignite his aggressive gameplay, allowing room for errors and growth.”
Milwaukee’s coach Doc Rivers also lauded Daniels for his multifaceted abilities beyond just defense, highlighting his potential. “It’s refreshing to see a young talent like his,” Rivers said. “He’s eager to learn, score, and evolve. His physical attributes—tall, strong, and agile—set him apart.”
The acquisition of Daniels, along with forward-center Larry Nance Jr., center Cody Zeller, a 2025 first-round draft choice, and a conditional 2027 first-rounder, marked a successful transaction for Atlanta. Despite these gains, they weren’t enough to retain General Manager Landry Fields, who was dismissed on April 21. The Hawks ended their season 40-42 and were eliminated in the play-in tournament, missing the playoffs. Daniels reflected, “We demonstrated growth, yet fell short of our aspirations. However, I’m optimistic about making significant strides next year.”
The NBA’s most improved player award, part of a global panel’s decision comprising 100 journalists and broadcasters, follows the close of the regular season. Other awards recently released include San Antonio’s Stephon Castle for rookie of the year, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley for defensive player of the year, New York’s Jalen Brunson for clutch player, and Boston’s Payton Pritchard for sixth man of the year. Additional awards have recognized Golden State’s Stephen Curry with the Twyman-Stokes teammate of the year and teammate Draymond Green with the hustle award. Upcoming announcements during the playoffs will reveal the MVP, potential candidates being Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The coach of the year honors will also be revealed between Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff, Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson, or Houston’s Ime Udoka, alongside the All-NBA, All-Rookie, and All-Defensive team selections.