Dyson Daniels Shines as NBA’s Top Defender Despite Challenges

ATLANTA, Ga. — Dyson Daniels is having a standout defensive season with the Atlanta Hawks after his off-season trade from the New Orleans Pelicans. The Australian guard is leading the NBA in steals and deflections, showcasing his ability to dominate on the court as a point-of-attack defender.

Currently, Daniels averages 3.0 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. His performance has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about his candidacy for the NBA’s prestigious Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, particularly with heavy favorite Victor Wembanyama sidelined due to illness.

“Dyson has been incredible defensively; he’s changed the way teams approach their offense against us,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “His energy and instincts are second to none.”

However, history shows that guards face significant challenges in winning the DPOY award. Over the past 30 years, only two guards have taken home the honor: Gary Payton in 1995-96 and Marcus Smart in 2021-22. This trend raises questions about Daniels’ prospects.

“It’s tough for a guard to win this award because bigs play a fundamentally different role in team defense,” said basketball analyst Sarah Smith. “They can anchor the defense and impact the game in ways that guards typically cannot.”

The Hawks’ current defensive rating stands at 114, placing them 18th in the league. In contrast, players ahead of Daniels in DPOY odds, Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, play on teams with much stronger defensive metrics, rated sixth and ninth in the league, respectively.

Analysts note that while Daniels has made significant contributions defensively, the physical differences between guards and big men may impede his chances. “He’s fighting an uphill battle,” said betting analyst Tom Hall. “The voters often gravitate towards those who can cover more space on the court defensively.”

Despite these challenges, Daniels’ odds improved this week, moving from tied-fourth to third in the DPOY race. As he continues to excel, supporters remain hopeful that he can overcome the odds stacked against him in pursuing the league’s top defensive honor.

“Dyson is raising the bar for what a guard can do defensively,” said longtime NBA scout Mike Johnson. “If he keeps playing like this, there’s no telling how far he can go.”