VATICAN CITY (AP) — People have gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to mourn Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope who charmed believers with his humble style.
Francis died Monday after making a final, poignant public appearance on Easter Sunday. He blessed the crowd of faithful from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica in an appearance about a month after his lengthy hospitalization for pneumonia.
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Pope Francis's body is laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025. From left, Dean Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, unidentified bishop, Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Master of Ceremonies Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, and Master of Ceremonies Lubomir Welnitz. (Vatican Media via AP, HO)
The body of Pope Francis is carried through St. Peter's Square to St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Stefano Costantino)
The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A nun cries as the body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A woman sits on the Angels Unawares sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz, which was was inaugurated by the late Pope Francis and depicts migrants and refugees throughout history, in St. Peter's Square as people wait to pay their respects at the Pontiff's coffin at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Margaret, left, and Sara from Slovakia sit at St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica where the body of Pope Francis will lie in state for three days, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
A woman sits in St. Peter's Square as people wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
People take pictures in St. Peter's Square as the ceremony with the Pope Francis' body, who will lie in state for three days, arrives at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Nuns wait in St. Peter's Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Vatican Swiss Guards march in the atrium of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican before the body of Pope Francis will be carried inside where he will lie in state for three days, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool)
People wait at St. Peter's Square ahead of the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Priests in St. Peter's Basilica wait for the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
People gather in St. Peter's Square as they await the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
A prelate holds a picture of Pope Francis as he enters the atrium of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where the body of Pope Francis will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool)
Nuns arrive to St. Peter's Square as they await the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter¥s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Pontifical Swiss guards stand in St. Peter's Square before the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Men wash the steps St. Peter's Basilica before the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A nun holds a rosary and a picture of Pope Francis during a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
A nun leans on railings in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican,Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Italian army soldiers carrying an anti drone gun patrol the area in front of St. Peter's Square before a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in Rome Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
A giant screen announces a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
A man wearing an Argentina soccer jersey prays at the Santo Spirito in Sassia Church, Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, in Rome, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Faithful and nuns gather by the statue of Pope Pius IX, inside in St. Mary Major basilica, where Pope Francis will be buried, in Rome, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Cardinal Silvano Tomasi blesses a nun in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A portrait of Pope Francis with a message below it reading in Italian "Farewell Pope Francis", is seen in the window of a religious jewellery shop, near the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Australian pilgrims walk to St. Peter's Square at the Vatican,Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Faithful react as they attend a Mass for the late Pope Francis, at the St. John Lateran Basilica, in Rome, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Nuns attend a Mass for the late Pope Francis, at the St. John Lateran Basilica, in Rome, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Francis's body is laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025. From left, Dean Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, unidentified bishop, Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Master of Ceremonies Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, and Master of Ceremonies Lubomir Welnitz. (Vatican Media via AP, HO)
An icon of Pope Francis at the Saint Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome, Tuesday April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia )
People walk around St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Cardinal Silvano Tomasi arrives in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A pilgrim kneels in prayer on the Scala Santa, holy stairs, of the Church of Church of Saints Michael and Magnus, in Rome near the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pilgrims arrive in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A woman holds a picture of Pope Francis reading in Italian "Farewell Francis, thank you His Holiness, today all the people cry for you" in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Cardinals, right, arrive for a meeting of cardinals, at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Cardinal Silvano Tomasi arrives in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A cardboard cutout of the late Pope Francis is placed next to candles and flowers outside St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Pilgrims carrying a cross make their way to the Holy Door in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Faithful participate in a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pilgrims carrying a cross make their way to the Holy Door in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, right, walks away after leading a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Copies of the Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano are distributed after a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Nuns walk to Vatican City, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Pilgrims from Croatia arrive at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
A woman attends a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025 (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Tributes to Francis were shared from around the world, and cardinals were meeting Tuesday at the Vatican to plan his funeral and the conclave to elect his successor.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
The body of Pope Francis is carried through St. Peter's Square to St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Stefano Costantino)
The body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A nun cries as the body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A woman sits on the Angels Unawares sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz, which was was inaugurated by the late Pope Francis and depicts migrants and refugees throughout history, in St. Peter's Square as people wait to pay their respects at the Pontiff's coffin at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Margaret, left, and Sara from Slovakia sit at St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica where the body of Pope Francis will lie in state for three days, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
A woman sits in St. Peter's Square as people wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
People take pictures in St. Peter's Square as the ceremony with the Pope Francis' body, who will lie in state for three days, arrives at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Nuns wait in St. Peter's Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Vatican Swiss Guards march in the atrium of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican before the body of Pope Francis will be carried inside where he will lie in state for three days, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool)
People wait at St. Peter's Square ahead of the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Priests in St. Peter's Basilica wait for the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
People gather in St. Peter's Square as they await the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
A prelate holds a picture of Pope Francis as he enters the atrium of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where the body of Pope Francis will lie in state for three days. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool)
Nuns arrive to St. Peter's Square as they await the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter¥s Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Pontifical Swiss guards stand in St. Peter's Square before the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Men wash the steps St. Peter's Basilica before the arrival of the body of Pope Francis, who will lie in state at for three days, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
A nun holds a rosary and a picture of Pope Francis during a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
A nun leans on railings in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican,Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Italian army soldiers carrying an anti drone gun patrol the area in front of St. Peter's Square before a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in Rome Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
A giant screen announces a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
A man wearing an Argentina soccer jersey prays at the Santo Spirito in Sassia Church, Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, in Rome, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Faithful and nuns gather by the statue of Pope Pius IX, inside in St. Mary Major basilica, where Pope Francis will be buried, in Rome, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Cardinal Silvano Tomasi blesses a nun in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A portrait of Pope Francis with a message below it reading in Italian "Farewell Pope Francis", is seen in the window of a religious jewellery shop, near the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Australian pilgrims walk to St. Peter's Square at the Vatican,Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Faithful react as they attend a Mass for the late Pope Francis, at the St. John Lateran Basilica, in Rome, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Nuns attend a Mass for the late Pope Francis, at the St. John Lateran Basilica, in Rome, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Francis's body is laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025. From left, Dean Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, unidentified bishop, Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Master of Ceremonies Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell, and Master of Ceremonies Lubomir Welnitz. (Vatican Media via AP, HO)
An icon of Pope Francis at the Saint Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome, Tuesday April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia )
People walk around St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Cardinal Silvano Tomasi arrives in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A pilgrim kneels in prayer on the Scala Santa, holy stairs, of the Church of Church of Saints Michael and Magnus, in Rome near the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pilgrims arrive in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A woman holds a picture of Pope Francis reading in Italian "Farewell Francis, thank you His Holiness, today all the people cry for you" in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Cardinals, right, arrive for a meeting of cardinals, at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Cardinal Silvano Tomasi arrives in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A cardboard cutout of the late Pope Francis is placed next to candles and flowers outside St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Pilgrims carrying a cross make their way to the Holy Door in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Faithful participate in a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pilgrims carrying a cross make their way to the Holy Door in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, right, walks away after leading a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Copies of the Vatican paper L'Osservatore Romano are distributed after a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Nuns walk to Vatican City, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Pilgrims from Croatia arrive at the Vatican, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
A woman attends a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Faithful gather for a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday April 21, 2025 (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA in steals while making dramatic improvements in scoring, rebounds and assists for Atlanta, was named the league’s most improved player Wednesday.
Daniels beat out fellow finalists Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers and Cade Cunningham of Detroit.
The 22-year-old Daniels emerged as a productive starter at shooting guard for the Hawks after arriving in Atlanta in the trade that sent high-scoring guard Dejounte Murray to New Orleans on July 6.
Before the trade, Daniels was best known for his defensive play. Injuries and other trades helped clear the way for the 6-foot-7 Daniels to flourish as a scoring complement to Trae Young while providing impressive all-around production.
Daniels now is entrenched as an important foundation player for the Hawks, joining Young, forward Jalen Johnson and 2024 No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, who was the runner-up in Tuesday’s rookie of the year award won by San Antonio’s Stephon Castle.
Daniels led the NBA with 229 steals, the most since Seattle’s Gary Payton had 231 in the 1995-96 season. He finished as the runner-up to Cleveland’s Evan Mobley in the voting for NBA defensive player of the year.
Daniels’ nickname — Great Barrier Thief — is a nod to his roots in Australia and defensive prowess.
Daniels’ impressive gains as a scorer, defender, rebounder and play-maker helped him claim the top spot in the voting for most improved player. Thanks to his role as a starter beside Young in Atlanta’s backcourt, Daniels improved his scoring from 5.8 points per game with New Orleans in 2023-24 to 14.1, his rebounds from 3.9 to 5.9, his steals from 1.4 to 3.0 and his assists from 2.7 to 4.4.
Daniels became only the fifth player since 1973-74 to average at least 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.0 steals, joining Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Michael Ray Richardson and Alvin Robertson.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder lobbied for Daniels to be recognized as the league’s top defensive player but also took note of the young guard’s overall gains.
“I think his ability to be as effective as he is on the ball, you see that and feel that,” Snyder said. “I think also his ability to drive the ball. So to me, those two things are his aggressiveness. And in order to be aggressive, you have to be fearless. So I think maybe the biggest thing that I wanted to try to communicate to Dyson to the extent we can instill something in someone is don’t be afraid to make a mistake.”
Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers praised Daniels’ impact as more than a defensive specialist before a late-season game in Atlanta.
“I think it’s so refreshing to see a young guy come to the league with that makeup,” Rivers said of Daniels. “Oh, he wants to score. He’s learning. He’s working on his game. But he’s making an impact now. His size is what differentiates him from everyone else, though. He’s big, like big, tall, strong, long arms. And he’s tough.”
The Hawks received Daniels, forward-center Larry Nance Jr., center Cody Zeller, a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-rounder in the deal for Murray.
Daniels’ immediate impact and the draft picks made the deal a success for Atlanta. The trade wasn’t enough to save general manager Landry Fields, who was fired on April 21. The Hawks finished 40-42 and were 0-2 in the play-in tournament to miss the playoffs.
The most improved player award, like several other NBA honors, was voted on by a global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league and cast ballots shortly after the end of the regular season.
The other awards that were part of that voting process and have already had their results unveiled: San Antonio's Stephon Castle winning rookie of the year, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley winning defensive player of the year, New York’s Jalen Brunson winning clutch player of the year and Boston’s Payton Pritchard winning sixth man of the year.
Other awards announced by the league since the end of the regular season: Golden State’s Stephen Curry won the Twyman-Stokes teammate of the year award and Warriors teammate Draymond Green won the hustle award.
Awards that will be announced later in the playoffs include MVP (either Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver's Nikola Jokic or Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo), coach of the year (either Detroit's J.B. Bickerstaff, Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson or Houston's Ime Udoka), plus the All-NBA, All-Rookie and All-Defensive teams.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks to Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half during Game 5 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) dribbles in the first half of an NBA play-in tournament basketball game against the Miami Heat, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)