Dyson Daniels Claims 2025 NBA Most Improved Player Award
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels has been named the 2025 NBA Most Improved Player (MIP) after a remarkable season that saw his game reach new heights. Daniels secured the award with 44 first-place votes and a total of 332 points, easily outpacing the competition. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham and Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac finished second and third, respectively, with Zubac earning 168 points and Cunningham 122.
Daniels made a significant impact after joining the Hawks in the offseason from the New Orleans Pelicans, where he had spent his first two years in the league. In his first season with Atlanta, Daniels posted career-best averages of 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and led the league with 3 steals per game. His shooting also saw a marked improvement, rising from 43.5% in his previous seasons to 49.3% this year, helping him secure a starting spot in the rotation—a role he hadn’t earned in New Orleans.
Daniels’ Standout Season
Daniels’ performance this season highlighted his rapid development. His all-around contributions on both ends of the court were key to his success, especially his defensive presence. His three steals per game led the league, underscoring his impact on that side of the ball. With his consistent improvements in scoring, playmaking, and defense, Daniels has become one of the league’s most promising young stars.
Cunningham, who finished second in the MIP voting, had an outstanding season as well, averaging 26.1 points and 9.1 assists while helping the Pistons make the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Zubac also had a career year, averaging 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game for the Clippers.
Other NBA Award Winners
The Most Improved Player award was voted on by a panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the NBA. Other notable award winners include San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, who won Rookie of the Year, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley, who was named Defensive Player of the Year, New York’s Jalen Brunson, who earned Clutch Player of the Year, and Boston’s Payton Pritchard, who took home Sixth Man of the Year honors.
Despite Daniels’ individual success, the Hawks finished the regular season with a 40-42 record and earned the ninth seed in the playoffs, though they were eliminated in the play-in tournament by the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
