Australian guard Dyson Daniels has been crowned the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Improved Player, earning the prestigious George Mikan Trophy for his remarkable progress with the Atlanta Hawks. The 22-year-old, traded from the New Orleans Pelicans in July 2024, transformed into a cornerstone starter, averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and a league-leading 3.0 steals per game across 76 starts. His 229 total steals, the most since Gary Payton’s 231 in 1995-96, earned him the nickname “The Great Barrier Thief.”
Daniels, selected eighth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, leapfrogged finalists Cade Cunningham and Ivica Zubac in a landslide, securing 44 of 100 first-place votes and 332 total points from a global media panel. His offensive breakout—doubling his scoring from the prior season—and defensive prowess, including a runner-up finish for Defensive Player of the Year to Evan Mobley, underscored his all-around impact.
Playing alongside Trae Young, Daniels helped improve Atlanta’s defensive rating by 10 spots (118.4 to 114.8) from 2023-24. His career-high 49% field-goal and 34% three-point shooting, paired with elite perimeter defense, made him a standout. “I’m not done improving,” Daniels said, eyeing further growth.
