Two Hawks named finalists for year-end awards

Which of Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher were snubbed?

On the backs of various breakout performances from Hawks players in the 2024-25 season, two players have been named as finalist to major year-end awards.

Among a pair of post players, Dyson Daniels has been named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year per the NBA’s communications:

Dyson Daniels lapped the field in steals, steals per game, deflections, deflections per game, among other major categories this past season.

Daniels was also named a finalist for the Most Improved Player Award:

After starting just 27 games in two seasons in New Orleans, Daniels averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3.0 steals per game while starting 76 games for the Hawks. He also logged career highs in shooting percentage (49%) and three-point percentage (34%).

Zaccharie Risacher was also named a finalist for Rookie of the Year along with Stephon Castle and Jaylen Wells:

Despite a slow start, Risacher averaged 12.6 points in 75 games on 46% shooting from the field and 36% shooting from three. He also chipped in 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 stocks (steals plus blocks) per game in his rookie campaign — a campaign in which he had yet to turn 20 for the majority of the season.

However, there was a notable snub among finalists for awards.

Trae Young was not named as a finalist for Clutch Player of the Year. This was despite being in the top three in points scored in clutch situations, first in clutch assists, first in clutch points created (points plus assists), as well as being the author of a game-winning halfcourt buzzer-beating shot earlier this season.

Still, congratulations to Daniels and Risacher for their accomplishments. And here’s to them taking home the hardware when the winners are announced later this postseason.