The Atlanta Hawks are looking for players to contend for major NBA awards this season, even as the team works to reverse a difficult recent run. The Hawks closed the 2025-26 campaign with a 89-140 loss to the New York Knicks on April 30, 2026, part of a five-game losing streak (0W-5L). Despite these team results, individual recognition remains a realistic goal for several Hawks, who have a history of award success.
Which Hawks can win NBA awards this season?
Three players stand out as potential award winners for Atlanta. Aaron Wiggins is a candidate for the Most Improved Player award. Dyson Daniels could make another run at Defensive Player of the Year. Jalen Johnson also has the talent to be in the Most Improved Player conversation, provided he stays healthy. The Hawks made history recently by having consecutive Most Improved Player winners, and a third is possible.
Why is Aaron Wiggins a Most Improved Player candidate?
Aaron Wiggins joined the Hawks from the Oklahoma City Thunder, where his role was limited. In Atlanta, he is expected to be a top bench player and significantly boost the team's depth. Wiggins is already known as a solid perimeter defender and a reliable three-point shooter. If he improves his scoring and playmaking, his minutes and production could jump. That kind of leap is exactly what voters for the Most Improved Player award look for each season.
Can Dyson Daniels win Defensive Player of the Year?
Dyson Daniels finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting after the 2024-25 season. He is one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, known for his steals and ability to disrupt opposing guards. For Daniels to win the award, he will need to maintain that elite defensive impact over a full season. His performance will be vital for a Hawks defense that needs to improve. You can track his defensive stats and the team's progress on our stats page.
What about Jalen Johnson's award chances?
Jalen Johnson's development was interrupted by an injury during the 2024-25 season. That injury likely cost him a shot at the Most Improved Player award that year. When healthy, Johnson is a dynamic forward who can score, rebound, and defend multiple positions. A full, healthy season could see his points, rebounds, and assists averages rise dramatically. His versatility makes him a unique threat and a strong candidate for individual recognition if he can stay on the court. The team's injuries page will be key to monitoring his status.
How do recent results affect the award outlook?
The Hawks' recent form, including the 51-point loss to the Knicks to end the season, shows the team has clear areas to address. However, individual awards are often based on personal performance and narrative, not solely team success. Players like Wiggins, Daniels, and Johnson have the skills to post impressive stat lines regardless. Their growth could be a bright spot as the Hawks look to rebuild momentum. The upcoming schedule, which you can view on our schedule page, will provide them with immediate opportunities to state their cases.
