he Atlanta Hawks have had a pleasant turnaround on the defensive finish of the court docket this season and it has made them one of many shock groups within the NBA this season. Whereas not an elite all-around unit, the Hawks improved from twenty sixth in factors allowed per 100 possessions (per Clear the glass) ranked seventeenth in factors allowed per 100 possessions. Spearheading this turnaround is Dyson Daniels, who has grow to be top-of-the-line acquisitions of the offseason. Daniels leads the league in steals and deflections and is coming off top-of-the-line video games of his younger profession. Daniels solely scored 10 factors in opposition to the Timberwolves, however had a career-high eight steals within the Hawks’ win, and did an important job guarding Anthony Edwards. Daniels has a considerable lead in steals and deflections this season.
Dyson Daniels leads the NBA in steals by over 58 p.c over his nearest competitor and equally leads the NBA in steals by over 64 p.c. pic.twitter.com/6VefK4nEws
– Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) December 24, 2024
Dyson Daniels is making defensive performs at a historic fee. Eight extra steals, two blocks tonight. Its 4.1 STL% can be the best for a 30MPG participant because the 80s. Add 2+ BLK% and it is simply DD and Pippen.
– Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) December 24, 2024
It is powerful for guards to be severely thought-about for Defensive Participant of the 12 months, however Daniels presents a heck of a case. His high competitors for the award can be Spurs middle Victor Wembanyama, who was the favourite for the award firstly of the season. In a latest column, CBS Sports activities Analyst Brad Botkin believes the award ought to go to Daniels and Wembanyama:
“Collectively, Daniels and Wembanyama are the one two gamers within the league to have 10 steals and blocks in a recreation this season. Daniels had two blocks Monday to go together with his eight steals, making him the youngest participant within the league. story. to do that.
If Daniels can keep wholesome, he has an actual probability of changing into the seventh participant in historical past, and the primary in 35 years, to complete 250 interceptions in a single season. He is solely missed two video games thus far and is averaging 3.2 interceptions per night time. He has 14 in his final two video games alone.
It might be tough for some voters to appropriately rank Daniels on the DPOY scale on condition that the Hawks are backside 10 on protection, however that is simply an illusory place to take. This man is not only a thief; he disrupts every thing. He’s additionally by far the league’s chief in deflections. He takes on probably the most tough defensive missions each night and makes life hell for the most effective scorers on the planet. Minnesota star Anthony Edwards was 7 of 20 from the sector Monday with 5 turnovers.
In a world the place Wembanyama did not exist, Daniels would have the benefit of being the most effective defender on the planet. »
SPN’s Neil Paine listed Daniels as one of many NBA’s under-25 stars:
“Also referred to as “The Nice Barrier Thief,” Daniels’ enchancment this season has been nothing wanting stunning.
The No. 8 choose within the 2022 draft already took an enormous leap in RAPTOR ranking final season (from -3.2 to +0.1) as a member of the Pelicans, however he is continues to be a lot improved (amounting to +1.4) with the Hawks. at 21 this season as a starter in 2nd place. Not solely is Daniels averaging a career-high 13.1 PPG, however, with an estimated RAPTOR of plus-2.5 particularly on protection, he has established himself as top-of-the-line wing defenders within the NBA.
Key Stat: Daniels is extremely versatile and lively on the defensive finish. He leads the NBA in steals per recreation (3.0) and ranks third in deflections per 36 minutes. »
Related parameters on the similar age: Clyde Drexler, 1983-84; Scottie Pippen, 1987-88; Jalen Suggs, 2022-23
Daniels has grow to be a reputable Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate and 1st Workforce All-Protection candidate whereas serving to the Hawks grow to be a a lot better defensive crew. Daniels continues to be a piece in progress offensively, however he is heading in the right direction there. Daniels has grow to be a key piece to the Hawks’ future and must be a key piece for years to return.
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