Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has repeatedly made his case for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award. However, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young had a very different take on the matter.

© Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on December 19, 2024.

Over the past few weeks, Draymond Green has consistently expressed his belief that he deserves the Defensive Player of the Year this NBA season based on his performances with the Golden State Warriors. But now, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has voiced a contrasting opinion.

“Dyson (Daniels) is in my opinion the Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved too, he should get those two awards,” Young said in a recent interview with Haynes Briefs. “He’s doing stuff that no guard, not many defenders have ever done before.”

When asked about Daniels’ competition for the award, Trae didn’t hold back: “As great as a defender as some of this guys are, and I think Draymond is leading in the running right now.

People are talking about that. I mean, I love Dray to death, but he’s not Dyson this year as far as what he’s been doing on defense.”

Young then broke down why his Hawks teammate deserves the award. “He’s been playing great this year, obviously getting another opportunity, more of an opportunity here in Atlanta, and he’s just showing the work that he put in with Australia in the summertime, it’s translated over to us,” said the guard.

 “On the ball every game, he’s getting three, four, five steals. Just picking them by himself, no help.”

Dyson Daniels and Trae Young playing with the Atlanta Hawks.

Trae wrapped up his case for Daniels with a strong statement. “I feel he deserves that award and obviously Most Improved Player,” he said.

“It should go to a player that has improved and not necessarily to a number one pick. I definitely believe that Dyson should get that too.”

How is the Defensive Player of the Year race shaping up?

Boosted by his recent performances over the last couple of months with the Warriors, Draymond Green has emerged as one of the favorites for the Defensive Player of the Year, a trophy he previously won in the 2016–17 season.

However, the four-time NBA champion isn’t alone in the conversation. Dyson Daniels, as highlighted by his Atlanta teammate Trae Young, has also made a strong case to be in the running. Another major contender is Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley.

Trae Young also weighs in on Rookie of the Year

In the same conversation with Haynes Briefs, Trae Young named another Atlanta player, Zaccharie Risacher, as his top pick for a different end-of-season honor. “I feel like Zach is playing outstanding all year. 

I think he’s played consistent, never too high and never too low, all year. I think he’s just been consistent and just been flying under the radar. He should be Rookie of the Year,” said the guard.

Young also acknowledged other leading candidates for the award. “As great as Stephon (Castle) is been playing. I am a big fan of his, he knows that I talked to him at the All-Star Weekend,” said Trae. “I think it’s between them, and I feel like Zach should get it because of how consistent he has been.

The numbers are obviously there, but he’s playing on a team that’s competing for something in the postseason. For him being in the running for a postseason run and him being a starter, he should definitely be Rookie of the Year.”