Multiple Atlanta Hawks are Surging in Betting Odds For Major Awards

Jalen Johnson, De'Andre Hunter, and Dyson Daniels are candidates for major season-end awards

Dec 28, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) reacts with forward De'Andre Hunter (12) after the Hawks defeated the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the most improved teams in the NBA this season. They are currently 18-15, on a four-game winning streak, and No. 5 in the Eastern Conference heading into a big New Year's Day Matchup with the Denver Nuggets. There are a lot of reasons for the Hawks continued improvement, especially their strides on defense and the new additions of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher. With this surprising start, the Hawks have gotten a lot of attention and have some players being mentioned for some of the most prestigious awards in the NBA.

Everyone outside of Atlanta was introduced to Jalen Johnson last season, when he was one of the top young breakout stars in the NBA and if not for injuries, very likely could have won the NBA's Most Improved Player award. That could change this year because as of today, Fanduel Sportsbook has Johnson tied with Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro for the best odds to win the award at +300. Johnson is making his case to be an All-Star for the first time in his career this season with the type of year that he is having. Johnson is the Hawks third leading scorer at 19.9 PPG on 51% shooting from the field and 33% from three. He is also averaging 10.2 RPG and 5.4 APG.

De'Andre Hunter had an up-and-down first few seasons with the Hawks. He flashed his potential at times, but ran into injuries a lot and could not find consistency. This year, he is having a breakout season that not many thought was possible and it has been one of the NBA's most underrated storylines. Hunter has come off the bench and is the Hawks second-leading scorer at 20.6 PPG on 50% shooting from the field and 45% from three. As well as being a strong defender, Hunter'sbreakout season is a major reason the Hawks have made a leap. Right now, Hunter is +270 to win the 6th Man of the Year award, trailing only Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, who is the favorite at -195. I would argue that the wrong player is favored.

They are not the only contenders for major awards, though they are likely to have the best shot to actually win one. Dyson Daniels has been a revelation for the Hawks defense this season, leading the league in steals and deflections, and should be a first team all defense candidate. Daniels is currently +6000 to win defensive player of the year and +1000 to win most improved player.

Risacher has had his struggles this season when it comes to shooting the ball, but he is improving and has been a solid defensive player from day one. Right now, he is +2500 to win the rookie of the year award.

Atlanta has been a great story this season and these players get a bulk of the credit. Will they end up winning these awards? Only time will tell, but they have stamped their status as the favorites.

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