Dyson Daniels has been a big-time revelation for the Atlanta Hawks this 2024-25 season.
After departing his embattled scenario with the New Orleans Pelicans, Daniels immediately discovered a house within the Atlanta Hawks, establishing his popularity as essentially the most threatening defensive stalwart within the perimeter.
On a nightly foundation, together with his immense mixture of size, measurement, IQ, and depth, Daniels has imposed a stable defensive stand of his personal. Paired with franchise star Trae Younger within the backcourt, he’s usually assigned in guarding the opposing staff’s prime offensive wings.
Daniels’ superior protection has seen him lead the NBA this season in steals, averaging 3.0 snatches per recreation, which is about to grow to be the best since 1991.
He’s broadly tipped proper now to be the quickly winner of the Defensive Participant of the Yr, regardless of competitors from OKC’s Lu Dort.
No matter whether or not he wins the award, Daniels can be projected to make one other historic defensive statistic that places him in esteemed firm.
Daniels leads the NBA in complete steals (191) whereas registering 46 blocks this 2024-25. Combining these numbers, he’s on the leaderboard in league ‘shares’ total.
With a complete of 237 steals and blocks – collectively described as ‘shares’, he’s positioned to grow to be the primary guard because the legendary Michael Jordan in 1987-88 to guide the stated class in a single season.
Within the 1987-88 marketing campaign, Jordan attained a person dream season as he was not solely named the league MVP, however he additionally clinched the Defensive Participant of the Yr honors.
Taking part in in 82 video games, the Chicago Bulls nice recorded 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per recreation, totaling 390 shares.
On his finish, Daniels already logged 62 video games for the Hawks. With 14 video games nonetheless left on the desk in Atlanta, his numbers will certainly improve additional till the tip of standard season this April, barring any unlucky accidents which will happen.
It will probably’t be denied that Victor Wembanyama’s gorgeous season shutdown because of an alarming well being situation actually performed an element for Daniels doubtlessly successful honors. Earlier than happening, the San Antonio Spurs phenom was the clear favourite to win the DPOY award.
However on the finish of the day, we nonetheless have to understand the stellar defensive season that Daniels has been displaying, which is ready to go down within the league file books.
