Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, the 2024-25 NBA Most Improved Player, recently shared his thoughts on winning the prestigious award and his plans for further growth. Speaking with the Inside The NBA crew, Daniels expressed pride in his journey and ambitions for the future.
Daniels, who averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, was a key contributor to the Hawks this season. He also led the league with 229 steals, showcasing his elite defensive ability. “I feel like this year was just a small step in the right direction, and I’ve got a lot more in me,” Daniels said.
His breakthrough performance was marked by impressive statistical improvements, including career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Daniels’ 3.01 steals per game led the league and made him one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA. He ranked first in both deflections per game and total deflections, which helped anchor Atlanta’s perimeter defense throughout the season.
After spending his first two years with New Orleans, Daniels welcomed a fresh start in Atlanta. “It was about coming in with the right mindset, working hard in the offseason, and being aggressive,” he shared. His dedication paid off as he secured a starting role and helped guide the Hawks to a playoff berth.
Reflecting on his success, Daniels mentioned his desire to improve even more next season. “I really believe I could win this award twice. I’ve got so much more left to show,” Daniels stated confidently. “I want to be an All-Star, and I want to be a championship player.”
The 22-year-old Australian also paid tribute to his coaches and teammates, emphasizing their trust in him. “I got trust in my coaches, trust in my teammates, and I was able to just be myself,” he said.
Daniels’ remarkable progress was a major factor in Atlanta’s return to the Play-In Tournament, and he finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.
