Hawks’ Dyson Daniels wins NBA’s Most Improved Player award

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player on Wednesday, topping fellow finalists Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons and Ivica Zubac of the LA Clippers.

Daniels is the second Hawks player to win the award, joining Alan Henderson in 1997-98.

Daniels, who was runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year voting to Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley, led the league in steals with 3.0 per game, the highest average in a season since Alvin Robertson in 1990-91. His 229 total steals were the most in a season since Gary Payton had 231 in 1995-96; Payton won the Defensive Player of the Year award that season.

Daniels also averaged a career-high 14.1 points per game, boosting his scoring average by 8.3 PPG, while also averaging career highs in rebounds (5.9) and assists (4.4).

The most improved player award, like several other NBA honors, was voted on by a global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league and cast ballots shortly after the end of the regular season.

Source: espn.com