A major accomplishment.
After a major breakout season, Dyson Daniels has won the Most Improved Player Award.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is the recipient of the George Mikan Trophy as the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Improved Player. pic.twitter.com/Toq8U9WPIl
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 30, 2025
Daniels came off the bench for the majority of his first two seasons in New Orleans after being drafted eighth overall in 2022 — averaging just 20 minutes per game and recording 27 starts in 120 appearances in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
This season, Daniels averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3.0 steals per game — the highest steals per game figure since Nate McMillan in 1993-94. His 231 total steals were also the most since Gary Payton swiped 233 balls back in 1995-96.
Daniels started 76 games for the Hawks this season while also upping his shooting percentages to career highs — 49% from the field and 34% from three-point range.
Daniels finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last week, and a first team All-Defensive Team spot seems almost assured at this point. Congratulations to the young man for this achievement!