Dyson Daniels makes defensive history with record-breaking steal pace in 2024-25 NBA season

Dyson Daniels, a guard for the Atlanta Hawks, has established himself as one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders, particularly during his third season in the league and his first with Atlanta. This season, Daniels has been nothing short of exceptional on the defensive end, averaging an impressive three steals per game. His steal numbers far outpace any other player in the league, with no one else even coming close to averaging two steals per game. In the Hawks' dominant 134-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, Daniels once again showcased his defensive prowess by recording three steals, bringing his season total to 194. This milestone is significant, as no player has reached 194 steals in a single season in the past 15 years. The last player to achieve this feat was Chris Paul, who had 216 steals during the 2008-09 season, with a slightly higher total of 217 steals the year before. Daniels' achievement places him in rare company, and he still has 13 regular-season games left to continue adding to his remarkable steal tally.

As one of the NBA's top defenders, Daniels consistently finds ways to disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to read the game, get into passing lanes, and apply constant pressure on the ball has made him a nightmare for some of the league's best players. On Tuesday against the Hornets, Daniels demonstrated his ability to make timely steals when he intercepted a pass from Charlotte's Miles Bridges, showcasing his skills in a manner that resembled a defensive back in football. His defensive instincts and relentless pursuit of the ball have made him a standout player on the court. Daniels' current pace suggests that he will surpass the 200-steal mark by the end of the season, which would place him in elite company among the NBA's top defenders.

While Daniels' season-long total is impressive, it is important to note that the NBA's all-time single-season steals record, set by Alvin Robertson in the 1985-86 season, remains likely out of reach. Robertson recorded an astounding 301 steals during that season with the San Antonio Spurs, a feat that has not been touched since. Nevertheless, Daniels' current trajectory suggests he will finish with over 200 steals, which would be an incredible accomplishment in its own right and place him among the league's elite defensive players in recent memory. 

Daniels' journey to this point has been one of consistent growth and improvement. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks during the offseason in a deal that saw Dejounte Murray move to the New Orleans Pelicans. Prior to joining the Hawks, Daniels had spent two seasons with the Pelicans after being drafted by the team with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. During his time in New Orleans, Daniels had already begun to establish himself as a strong defender, but his move to Atlanta has allowed him to take his game to the next level. At just 22 years old, Daniels is still in the early stages of his NBA career, and his future appears incredibly bright. 

Given his remarkable performances this season, Daniels has firmly positioned himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. His ability to impact games on the defensive end, along with his impressive steal numbers, has made him a key asset for the Hawks. As he continues to develop, his potential appears limitless, and his presence on the court will likely continue to be a major factor in the success of the Hawks for years to come. With 13 games remaining in the regular season, Daniels has the chance to further solidify his place as one of the top defenders in NBA history, and he could very well break records or set new benchmarks for steals in a season.