5 Shocking Ways Dyson Daniels Became The NBA's Most Improved Player After His Blockbuster Trade

The narrative of a player finding their true potential after a trade is a common one in the NBA, but few stories are as explosive or as current as that of Dyson Daniels. As of late 2025, the Australian guard has completely shattered expectations, moving from a promising but limited role player on the New Orleans Pelicans to a bona fide star and the reported winner of the NBA’s 2024-2025 Most Improved Player (MIP) award. His third professional season has been a masterclass in development, fueled by a new opportunity with the Atlanta Hawks and a massive increase in responsibility. This deep dive explores the dramatic shift in his game, his surprising new statistics, and the factors that led to him becoming one of the most intriguing and effective young players in the league today.

The trade that sent Daniels to the Hawks was initially seen as a move to clear cap space, yet it has become one of the most consequential transactions of the year. Daniels’ transformation is not just about scoring; it's a complete overhaul of his offensive confidence, defensive impact, and overall court vision. For fans who only knew him as the eighth overall pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, his 2024-2025 campaign is the definitive proof of his star potential, making him a central figure in the Hawks' quest for playoff relevance and a major pillar of the future of Australian basketball.

Dyson Daniels: Complete Player Profile and Biography

Dyson James Daniels is an Australian professional basketball player whose journey to the NBA was highlighted by his unique path through the G League Ignite program.

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• Full Name: Dyson James Daniels
• Date of Birth: March 17, 2003
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 22
• Hometown: Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
• Nationality: Australian
• Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard (Combo Guard)
• Height: 6 ft 7 in (201 cm)
• Weight: 199 lbs (90 kg)
• NBA Draft: 2022 / Round 1 / Pick 8 (Selected by the New Orleans Pelicans)
• Current NBA Team (2024-2025): Atlanta Hawks (Acquired via trade from the New Orleans Pelicans)
• Pre-NBA Career: NBA G League Ignite (2021–2022)
• Nickname: "The Great Barrier Thief" (due to his elite defensive and stealing abilities)
• Family Background: His father, Ricky Daniels, is an American who played college basketball at NC State and later professionally in Australia, where Dyson was raised.
• Major 2024-2025 Achievement: Reported winner of the NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) Award.

The Trade That Launched a Breakout Star

The biggest catalyst for Dyson Daniels’ explosion this season was undeniably the trade that sent him from the deep, crowded New Orleans Pelicans roster to the Atlanta Hawks. In New Orleans, Daniels was often relegated to a secondary, defensive-minded role, competing for minutes with established stars like Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Zion Williamson. His offensive game was stifled, and his playmaking potential was rarely fully utilized.

Upon arriving in Atlanta, Daniels was immediately thrust into a significantly larger role, a move that shocked him but ultimately proved career-defining. The Hawks organization gave him the green light to operate as a primary ball-handler and playmaker, a responsibility he thrived under. This new environment provided the necessary stage for his talents to flourish, transforming him from a defensive specialist into a true two-way threat.

His minutes per game skyrocketed in his third professional season. After averaging just 22.3 minutes in his last season with the Pelicans, Daniels averaged approximately 33.8 minutes per game with the Hawks in the 2024-2025 campaign, showcasing the immense trust his new coaching staff placed in him. This increase in opportunity was the foundation for his statistical leap and his subsequent MIP award.

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5 Shocking Facets of Daniels’ 2024-2025 MIP Season

Dyson Daniels’ 2024-2025 season with the Atlanta Hawks was a statistical anomaly compared to his previous years. His performance was not just an improvement; it was a complete positional and statistical metamorphosis that answered every question about his offensive potential.

1. A Massive Statistical Leap: From Role Player to Go-To Scorer

The most compelling evidence for Daniels' MIP case is the dramatic increase in his core statistics. In the 2024-2025 season, Daniels averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game across 76 games. This is a monumental jump from his previous averages, demonstrating his ability to be a consistent offensive contributor. His efficiency also improved, reflecting a more confident and aggressive approach on the court. He successfully transitioned from primarily being an off-ball cutter and defender to a player capable of creating his own shot and initiating offense for others.

2. The Reign of "The Great Barrier Thief" on Defense

While his offensive game exploded, Daniels maintained his elite defensive identity, earning him the nickname "The Great Barrier Thief." His length (6'7" with an impressive wingspan) and defensive instincts allow him to disrupt passing lanes and guard multiple positions, from point guards to small forwards. His defensive metrics remained among the league's best for a guard, proving that his increased offensive load did not diminish his commitment on the other end of the floor. This two-way excellence is what truly separates him from other breakout candidates.

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3. Embracing the Primary Playmaker Role

In New Orleans, Daniels was often a secondary or tertiary playmaker. With the Hawks, he was given the keys to the offense, frequently running the pick-and-roll and operating as the team’s lead guard, especially when Trae Young was off the floor or in specific lineup combinations. This shift unlocked his passing vision, leading to a career-high in assists. His ability to manage the tempo and make advanced reads under pressure showed the maturity of a veteran, not a third-year player.

4. Australian Basketball's Next Global Star

Daniels’ success is a major story for Australian basketball. Following in the footsteps of legends like Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, and Joe Ingles, Daniels is now positioned as the next generation's face of the sport from Down Under. His performances in the NBA are closely watched by the Australian national team, the Boomers, where he is expected to play a critical role in future international competitions. His rise further solidifies the reputation of the Australian development pipeline, particularly the impact of the G League Ignite program on his early career.

5. MIP Award Validation and Future Contract Projection

Winning the Most Improved Player award is the ultimate validation of his season. It signifies not just a statistical improvement but a complete change in his standing within the league, moving from a role player to a core piece of an NBA franchise. This award, combined with his stellar performance, immediately changes his future contract projection. Daniels is now viewed as a long-term foundational asset for the Atlanta Hawks, likely commanding a substantial contract extension that reflects his new status as a high-impact, two-way starting guard in the NBA. This breakout has turned him into one of the most valuable young assets in the entire league.

The Future: Can Daniels Maintain His Elite Trajectory?

The question now shifts from "Will Dyson Daniels break out?" to "How high can he climb?" His 2024-2025 season has established a new baseline for his career. Moving forward, the Atlanta Hawks will rely heavily on his continued development, particularly in his three-point shooting consistency, to maximize their offensive spacing.

Daniels’ unique blend of size, playmaking, and elite defense makes him a highly adaptable player in the modern NBA. He represents the ideal combo-guard archetype: a player who can defend the opponent’s best perimeter player while also initiating offense. The ceiling for "The Great Barrier Thief" is now viewed not just as an All-Star, but potentially as a perennial All-Defensive team candidate who can contribute 18-20 points per night. His current trajectory suggests that the 2024-2025 MIP award is just the beginning of a long and successful career as a two-way star.