Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA in steals whereas making dramatic enhancements in scoring, rebounds and assists for the Atlanta Hawks, was voted the NBA’s Most Improved Participant on Wednesday.
Daniels, 22, completed comfortably forward of fellow finalists Ivica Zubac of the LA Clippers and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons within the voting, incomes 44 first-place votes and 332 complete factors. Zubac completed second with 23 first-place votes and 186 factors, whereas Cunningham positioned third with 15 first-place votes and 122 complete factors.
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun and Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves rounded out the highest 5.
Daniels, who additionally was runner-up within the Defensive Participant of the Yr voting to Cleveland Cavaliers heart Evan Mobley final week, emerged as a productive starter at taking pictures guard for the Hawks after arriving in Atlanta within the commerce that despatched high-scoring guard Dejounte Murray to New Orleans on July 6.
Nicknamed “The Nice Barrier Thief” — a nod to his roots in Australia and defensive prowess — Daniels led the NBA with 229 steals, probably the most in a season since Gary Payton had 231 in 1995-96, and his league-best 3.0 steals per sport was the best common in a season since Alvin Robertson’s 3.0 in 1990-91.
“You have to separate your self one way or the other, and I’ve carried out that on the defensive finish of the ground,” Daniels stated.
Earlier than being traded to Atlanta, Daniels was greatest recognized for his defensive play. Accidents and different trades helped clear the best way for the 6-foot-7 Daniels to flourish as a scoring complement to Trae Young whereas offering spectacular all-around manufacturing.
Daniels averaged a career-high 14.1 factors per sport, boosting his scoring common by 8.3, whereas additionally averaging profession highs in rebounds (5.9) and assists (4.4). His subject aim proportion additionally went from 43.5% in his first two seasons in New Orleans to 49.3% this season.
Daniels turned solely the fifth participant since 1973-74 to common at the very least 14.0 factors, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and three.0 steals, becoming a member of Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Michael Ray Richardson and Robertson.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder lobbied for Daniels to be acknowledged because the league’s prime defensive participant but additionally took be aware of the younger guard’s total positive aspects.
“I believe his means to be as efficient as he’s on the ball, you see that and really feel that,” Snyder stated. “I believe additionally his means to drive the ball. So to me, these two issues are his aggressiveness. And as a way to be aggressive, it’s a must to be fearless. So I believe possibly the largest factor that I needed to attempt to talk to Dyson to the extent we are able to instill one thing in somebody is do not be afraid to make a mistake.”
The Hawks obtained Daniels, forward-center Larry Nance Jr., heart Cody Zeller, a 2025 first-round choose and a conditional 2027 first-rounder within the deal for Murray.
Daniels’ fast affect and the draft picks made the deal a hit for Atlanta. The commerce wasn’t sufficient to avoid wasting basic supervisor Landry Fields, who was fired on April 21. The Hawks completed 40-42 and had been 0-2 within the play-in event to overlook the playoffs.
“I believe we actually confirmed development this 12 months, and clearly we did not get to the place we needed, nowhere shut,” Daniels stated. “However we are able to positively make some noise subsequent 12 months and I am trying ahead to it.”
Daniels is the second Hawks participant to win the Most Improved Participant award, becoming a member of Alan Henderson in 1997-98.
The award was voted on by a world panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cowl the league and solid ballots shortly after the tip of the common season.
Info from The Related Press was used on this report.
