The race for this season’s Defensive Player of the Year has really heated up, and there are now multiple players in contention for that prize.
Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks is definitely a name to watch.
It was pointed out by Courtside Buzz that Daniels has now recorded his 213th steal of the season.
That means he just broke Mookie Blaylock’s record for the most steals in a single season in Atlanta Hawks history.
To make matters even better, Daniels is leading the entire league with 3.1 steals per game.
So, will he be Defensive Player of the Year?
HISTORY! Dyson Daniels recorded his 213th steal on Sunday night, breaking Mookie Blaylock’s record for most in a single season in Atlanta Hawks history! 🔒
Daniels is now averaging an NBA-best 3.1 SPG.
Defensive Player of the Year? 🤔🏆 pic.twitter.com/tbXbh0Dmoh
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) March 31, 2025
That is a tough question because there are several players trying to claim that prize.
Draymond Green and Jaren Jackson Jr., for example, are often spoken of as Defensive Player of the Year candidates.
For much of the season, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs was the clear frontrunner for DPOY.
But when an injury took him out of the running, the focus turned to others.
However, even if Wembanyama was still in the mix, Daniels should be talked about because of what he is doing.
This is his first season with the Hawks after starting his career with the New Orleans Pelicans.
His output for the Pelicans versus the Hawks is night-and-day different.
He has instantly become a major part of the team’s rotation and has shown that he can be one of the most dominant defensive stars when he is in the right position.
The Hawks have had an up-and-down season, but there are many fans excited for the years ahead.
That’s because they know that Daniels might only get better and could help them reach new heights.
