Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young Pulls Off Stunning NBA Feat Last Done by 1990 Magic Johnson 7 Apr 1, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts with fans after making a three point shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young Posts Supportive 5-Word Message to Dyson Daniels After 2025 DPOY Snub

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 11:45 AM ET

Trae Young voiced his support for his Atlanta Hawks teammate, Dyson Daniels, who missed out on the 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award this week.

After Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley won the coveted award over Daniels and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, Young urges Daniels to use this as motivation to be even better next season.

“Motivation @DysonDaniels. Real ones know. 1of1 #RealDPOY” Young wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young Posts Supportive 5-Word Message to Dyson Daniels After 2025 DPOY Snub 2 Feb 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guards Trae Young (11) and Dyson Daniels (5) react after the Hawks defeated the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks swingman finished second in the official voting for the Defensive Player of the Year trophy, with 25 first-place votes, 17 second-place votes, and 21 third-place votes for a total of 197 points – 88 points adrift of Mobley.

Atlanta Hawks News: Dyson Daniels voted DPOY in anonymous NBA coaches poll

Josh Robbins of The Athletic recently conducted a poll with 13 participating NBA coaches. Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels was voted the best defensive player for the 2024-25 campaign with six first-place votes for a total of 42 points.

Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young Posts Supportive 5-Word Message to Dyson Daniels After 2025 DPOY Snub 3 Feb 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) shoots past Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

“Dyson Daniels has established himself as one of the elite perimeter defenders in the league, leading the league in steals and doing some things we haven’t seen in a long time,” one coach said about Daniels.

Daniels had a breakout year for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and a league-leading 3.0 steals on 49.3 percent shooting from the field across 76 starts. He should at least make it to this season’s NBA All-Defensive First Team.