Dyson sweeps rivals: Dyson Daniels caps dream season by winning NBA most improved award

He may have missed out on the defensive title, but Aussie star Dyson Daniels has picked up another major NBA award.

Dyson Daniels has capped off a stunning season with the Atlanta Hawks by becoming the first Australian to win the George Mikan Trophy as the NBA’s most improved player for the 2024-25 campaign.

The man dubbed the “Great Barrier Thief” was one of three finalists for defensive player of the year but was edged out by Cleveland’s Evan Mobley.

Most Improved. Undeniably.

Dyson Daniels is the 2024-25 @Kia Most Improved Player! pic.twitter.com/ztA8sTz7yc

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 30, 2025

However, he wouldn’t be denied a second time with Daniels claiming 44 first place votes from the 100 judges to steamroll the most improved award, with the Atlanta ace finishing on 332 votes, well clear of Ivica Zubac of the Clippers (186 votes).

In his third NBA season, Daniels thrived in his new environment to lead the NBA in steals per game and total steals, while he averaged the most steals per game since the 1990-91 season.

He was twice named Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month this season because of his dominance without the ball, with the guard also racking up career highs in points (14.1 per game), rebounds (5.9) and assists (4.4).

Daniels was a defensive beast this season. Picture: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP

Daniels joins some of the game’s superstars to have won the award, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant and Jimmy Butler just some of the previous winners.

His Hawks lost in overtime in the play-in to the Heat who were subsequently swept by the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, with Daniels posting a double-double in the heartbreaking defeat.

Originally published as Dyson sweeps rivals: Dyson Daniels caps dream season by winning NBA most improved award