Dyson Daniels took the NBA by storm during the 2024-25 season. It was a fantastic breakout campaign that he feels he could replicate and even surpass in his promising future.
When the Atlanta Hawks traded for Dyson Daniels in a surprising deal, most headlines were about parting ways with Dejounte Murray’s contract. That was a fair assessment, but basketball fans did not expect how good Daniels would be on the Hawks.
Dyson quickly became one of the NBA’s best defenders due to his cat-like quickness and long limbs.
Daniels surprised the rest of the league, as they did not see that high-level defense during his first two years with the New Orleans Pelicans. He earned the buzz for both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player after becoming the league’s most relentless defender.
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesDyson Daniels wants to win Most Improved Player Award again
The Hawks are always a fun team to watch because of Trae Young and his stellar performances on offense. He is the driving force behind Atlanta’s success in the regular season.
Despite his success as an offensive guard, Trae needs support in the backcourt, especially on the defensive end. Young always supported Daniels in his bid for Defensive Player of the Year, which showed their chemistry.
That is where Dyson Daniels comes in, who played that role to near perfection. Most people saw him as a raw prospect coming into the 2024-25 season, but he surprised everyone by becoming a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
He did not win the DPOY award, but he still won the Most Improved Player award over the closest contender, Ivica Zubac.
The Australian guard is adamant that he will keep improving, even entertaining the idea of being the first-ever player to win this award twice, a feat never done before since it was launched in 1985-86.
“I really believe I could win this award again. I’ve got so much more left in me. Next year, it’s all about taking that next step and setting new goals,” Daniels said about the MIP award.
“I want to be an All-Star in this league and I want to be a championship player.”
The Hawks have a promising future with their core
The NBA should be wary of the Atlanta Hawks because they have a roster filled with budding stars. Young and Daniels have become firmly established now. The Hawks also have a rising star in Jalen Johnson.
He is an ‘unbelievable’ player, but he could not show it due to his injury that took him out for most of the 2024-25 season.
Trae Young (26)
Dyson Daniels (22)
Zaccharie Risacher (20)
Jalen Johnson (23)
Onyeka Okongwu (24)
Hawks are absolutely loaded for the future. One of the most exciting young cores in the NBA. Already can’t wait for next season.
WeMove. pic.twitter.com/RSqvuFfo9s
— Zach Langley (@langleyatl) April 19, 2025
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Another player who deserves his flowers is the 2024 NBA Draft’s #1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. He has been a pleasant surprise because his production during his rookie season has proven the doubters wrong.
The future is bright in Atlanta, and the rest of the league should be aware of what they can do in the long-term future. Daniels will be a significant piece, as he keeps growing as a defender and all-around player.