The Atlanta Hawks took care of business against the Philadelphia 76ers, notching a 132-119 victory to cap their weekend. They also got another entry in the history season from starting shooting guard Dyson Daniels.
Daniels officially recorded the most steals in a season since Chris Paul in 2008-09. Moreover, he became the youngest player to reach 200 steals, drawing praise from Trae Young.
“DPOY,” Young posted on X on March 23. “No more debate.”
Dyson Daniels records steal #200 of the season 🤯
— NBA (@NBA) March 23, 2025
Leads to the Trae Young alley-oop to Mouhamed Gueye on the other end! pic.twitter.com/GZI96xYUwY
“Just having my name in that conversation is pretty special,” Daniels told reporters on March 18. “I set myself a goal of being first-team All-Defense and now the goal is Defensive Player of the Year. I don't want to sit here and pump my tires too much on what I do, but I'm just letting my game do the talking for itself.”
As on March 23, Daniels was third at +1500 for the award on FanDuel.
According to Hawks PR, Daniels joins – and beats – Paul, Dudley Bradley, Isaiah Thomas, and Magic Johnson on the list.
Daniels offset his rough shooting night against the 76ers – 8 points on 4-for-12 FG and 0-for-3 3P – with 5 steals, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. He still finished tied with reserve Caris LeVert for the fourth-highest plus-minus at plus-10.
Daniels recorded 2 of his takeaways in the game’s first two minutes.
The former New Orleans Pelicans first-round pick has recorded multiple steals in eight straight games and has only failed to do so in three games.
Dyson Daniels’ price tag skyrocketing amid historic season with Hawks
Not even in their wildest dreams could the Hawks have imagined Daniels would have the kind of season he is when they acquired him in the package for Dejounte Murray. Daniels spoke candidly about how happy he was to get a change in scenery.
The result is expected to be an extension that could rival teammate Jalen Johnson’s five-year, $150 million pact signed ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The most fascinating aspect could be the impact his deal will have on the rest of the roster.
Veterans Caris LeVert and Clint Capela are both free agents. The Hawks appear ready to move on from Capela, but LeVert was part of the trade return for De’Andre Hunter along with Georges Niang and two first-round draft pick swaps.
Daniels’ future with the organization seems more like a formality than a question. But it will be fascinating to see how the Hawks handle it.
They technically have control for two more seasons.
He has one more season on his four-year, $25 million rookie deal, and he will be a restricted free agent in 2026 without a new one. Do the Hawks take the aggressive approach and ink Daniels following one (historic) season?
That has failed elsewhere before, and the Hawks still have questions to answer about the direction of the franchise.
All of it sets the stage for another offseason of intrigue around the Hawks.