Dyson Daniels, the young Australian guard for the Atlanta Hawks, has taken the NBA by storm in the 2024-25 season. Known as “The Great Barrier Thief” for his uncanny ability to snatch the ball from opponents, Daniels has emerged as a defensive powerhouse and a breakout star. His remarkable stats, particularly in steals, have placed him among the league’s elite defenders, while his improving offensive game has made him a vital piece of the Hawks’ lineup. This article dives deep into Daniels’ 2024-25 season stats, his career journey, and his impact on the court, offering a fresh perspective on why he’s a name to watch in the NBA.
The Rise of Dyson Daniels
A Young Star from Down Under
Dyson James Daniels, born on March 17, 2003, in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, grew up in a basketball-loving family. His father, Ricky Daniels, a former NC State player and professional in Australia, inspired Dyson’s passion for the game. Starting basketball at age seven, Daniels quickly showed promise, balancing his love for hoops with Australian rules football. By his teens, he chose basketball, a decision that has paid off spectacularly. His journey took him from the Bendigo Braves to the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, where he honed his skills and caught the attention of scouts worldwide.
Daniels’ early career included standout performances on the international stage. In 2018, he represented Australia at the FIBA Oceania U15 Championship, averaging 8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists to help his team win gold. By 2021, he competed in the FIBA U19 World Cup, posting 14.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. These numbers showcased his all-around game, particularly his defensive instincts, which would become his calling card in the NBA.
The NBA Draft and Early Years
In 2022, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Daniels with the eighth overall pick in the NBA Draft, recognizing his potential as a versatile guard. His time with the NBA G League Ignite in 2021-22, where he averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.9 steals, solidified his draft stock. However, his rookie season with the Pelicans was challenging. A right-ankle sprain during the 2022 Summer League sidelined him early, and he struggled to find consistent minutes, averaging just 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 22.3 minutes per game in 2023-24.
Despite the modest stats, Daniels showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on defense. His length, quickness, and basketball IQ made him a pest for opposing guards. However, his offensive game, especially his shooting, needed work, with a 31.3% three-point percentage. The Pelicans, seeking a more established guard, traded Daniels to the Atlanta Hawks in July 2024 as part of a deal for Dejounte Murray. Little did they know, this move would unleash Daniels’ full potential.
The 2024-25 Season: A Breakout Year
Statistical Overview
Daniels’ 2024-25 season with the Atlanta Hawks has been nothing short of historic. Playing as a starting guard, he has averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.7 blocks, and an astonishing 3.6 steals per game across 76 games, with 33.8 minutes per game. His shooting splits—49% from the field, 34% from three, and 59% from the free-throw line—reflect a significant improvement from his Pelicans days. These numbers, reported by ESPN and NBA.com, highlight Daniels’ evolution into a two-way player who impacts both ends of the court.
What sets Daniels apart is his defensive prowess. His 229 steals in the regular season, the most since Gary Payton in 1996, make him the first player in the 21st century to average 3.0 steals per game. This places him 11th in NBA history for steals per game in a single season. His 98-steal gap over the second-place player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (131 steals), is the largest in NBA history, per Elias Sports. Daniels also recorded 443 deflections, the most in a season since the league began tracking the stat, and recovered 79 loose balls, second only to one other player.
Defensive Dominance
Daniels’ nickname, “The Great Barrier Thief,” perfectly captures his defensive impact. He leads the league with 3.3 steals, 5.4 deflections, and 3.1 forced turnovers per game, earning him the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for October/November and March. His 27 games with four or more steals surpass Nate McMillan’s 1993-94 record, and his 14 games with five or more steals are the most since Chris Paul in 2010-11.
His defensive stats tell only part of the story. Daniels’ ability to read passing lanes, anticipate plays, and disrupt ball-handlers is unmatched. Hawks coach Quin Snyder praises his consistency and focus, noting that Daniels excels at navigating screens and preventing opponents from generating advantages. Trae Young, his All-Star teammate, calls him “the best defender I’ve seen with my own eyes.”
Offensive Growth
While Daniels’ defense grabs headlines, his offensive game has taken a massive leap. His 14.1 points per game nearly triple his 2023-24 average of 5.8. In a standout performance on November 13, 2024, against the Boston Celtics, Daniels scored a career-high 28 points, adding 7 assists and 6 steals on 57.1% shooting. Posts on X from @statmuse and @NBA_University highlighted this game as a turning point in his season.
Daniels’ playmaking has also shone through, with 4.4 assists per game. His ability to push the pace in transition, find open teammates, and create scoring opportunities complements Trae Young’s ball-dominant style.
Play-In Tournament Performance
In the 2024-25 Play-In Tournament, Daniels continued to shine despite the Hawks’ elimination. In a 123-114 overtime loss to the Miami Heat on April 19, 2025, he posted a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in 44 minutes. These performances, reported by NBA.com, underline Daniels’ ability to impact games even under pressure.
Career Highlights and Awards
Accolades and Records
Daniels’ 2024-25 season has been filled with accolades. He won the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month twice, a rare feat shared by only one other player in the season. His 200th steal of the season, achieved in March, made him the youngest player (22 years, six days) to reach that mark since the 1973-74 season.
Despite his historic season, Daniels did not win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, with Draymond Green and Evan Mobley also named finalists. Posts on X from @statmuse expressed disappointment, arguing that Daniels’ steal numbers warranted stronger consideration.
Memorable Games
Several games define Daniels’ 2024-25 season. On November 8, 2024, he recorded 7 steals in a 122-121 loss to the Detroit Pistons, setting the tone for his defensive dominance. A four-game stretch from November 12-16, 2024, saw him average 21.8 points, 5.0 steals, and 4.5 assists, including a 25-point, 6-steal performance against the Washington Wizards.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Injury Concerns
Daniels has faced minor injury setbacks in 2024-25, missing games due to ankle soreness, a hip flexor strain, and an illness. While these absences were brief, maintaining durability will be crucial as he logs heavy minutes for the Hawks.
Offensive Consistency
While Daniels’ scoring has improved, his free-throw shooting (59%) and occasional inconsistency from three-point range remain areas to address. His 34% three-point percentage is solid but could improve to stretch defenses further. Additionally, his fit alongside Trae Young, a ball-dominant guard, requires him to continue developing as an off-ball threat. RotoWire.com notes that his offensive upside may be limited in standard fantasy formats, but his defensive contributions more than compensate.
Impact on the Atlanta Hawks
Transforming the Defense
Daniels has been a game-changer for the Hawks, who ranked 27th in defense in 2023-24. His ability to force turnovers and disrupt opponents has elevated the team’s defensive identity. His 98-steal lead over the next closest player is a testament to his individual brilliance, but his infectious energy has inspired teammates to raise their defensive effort.
Complementing Trae Young
Pairing Daniels with Trae Young, one of the NBA’s premier offensive guards, has created an intriguing backcourt dynamic. Young’s playmaking and scoring draw attention, allowing Daniels to focus on defense and secondary creation. Their chemistry has improved throughout the season, with Daniels’ transition play and cutting complementing Young’s vision. This partnership, while still evolving, offers hope for the Hawks’ future.
The Future for Dyson Daniels
Potential for Growth
At just 22 years old, Daniels has a bright future. His defensive instincts are already elite, but refining his shooting and playmaking could make him an All-Star caliber player. His work ethic, evident in his rapid improvement from 2023-24 to 2024-25, suggests he’s far from his ceiling. As the Hawks build around Young and young talents like Zaccharie Risacher, Daniels could become a cornerstone of their roster.
Contract and Long-Term Outlook
As a restricted free agent in 2026, he’s likely to command a significant deal if his trajectory continues.
FAQs About Dyson Daniels
1. What are Dyson Daniels’ key stats for the 2024-25 NBA season?
Dyson Daniels has averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 3.6 steals per game in 76 games for the Atlanta Hawks. His 229 steals lead the league, and he shoots 49% from the field, 34% from three, and 59% from the free-throw line, playing 33.8 minutes per game. These stats reflect his breakout as a defensive star and improving offensive contributor.
2. Why is Dyson Daniels nicknamed “The Great Barrier Thief”?
The nickname “The Great Barrier Thief” highlights Daniels’ exceptional ability to steal the ball, drawing from his Australian heritage and the Great Barrier Reef. His league-leading 3.6 steals per game and 443 deflections in 2024-25 showcase his knack for disrupting opponents, making the moniker a perfect fit for his defensive style.
3. How has Dyson Daniels impacted the Atlanta Hawks’ defense?
Daniels has transformed the Hawks’ defense, helping improve their defensive rating from 118.4 in 2023-24 to 114.8 in 2024-25. His 229 steals, 443 deflections, and 79 loose balls recovered have set a new tone, inspiring teammates to elevate their effort and making Atlanta a tougher defensive unit.
To read more, Click Here
Leave a Reply