Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels has officially been named the 2025 NBA Most Improved Player—and it’s well-deserved.
Daniels made one of the biggest statistical leaps in the league this year. After averaging just 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game last season on 44.7% shooting in 22.3 minutes, he exploded this season to post:
- 14.1 points
- 5.9 rebounds
- 4.4 assists
- 3.0 steals (league leader)
- 49.3% FG
- 33.8 minutes per game
Not only did his offensive game take a huge leap, but Daniels established himself as an elite defender—finishing as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year and is expected to be named to an All-Defensive team.
He was a huge reason why the Pelicans finished 40-42 this season and earned the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference. That’s an improvement from last year’s 36-46 record and 10th seed finish.
While Cade Cunningham also had a stellar case, making his first All-Star appearance, finishing top 10 in points and assists per game, and leading Detroit to the 6th seed, it was Daniels’ two-way impact, league-leading steals, and elite defensive play that gave him the edge in voters’ eyes.
Daniels’ leap from solid role player to a franchise cornerstone proves why he’s now recognized as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
