Aussie 'Great Barrier Thief' Dyson Daniels shatters NBA icon's record

Australia's Dyson Daniels has taken NBA legend Magic Johnson's record as the youngest player to reach 200 steals in a single season.

The prolific Atlanta Hawks guard reached the milestone on Monday (AEDT) when he picked off Justin Edwards of the Philadelphia 76ers on the way to a blowout 136-114 win.

Daniels finished the game with eight points, five steals, five rebounds and three assists.

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The Bendigo product - dubbed the 'Great Barrier Thief' - reached the double century aged 22 years and six days.

Los Angeles Lakers icon Johnson hit the 200 mark when he was 22 years and 240 days old.

Daniels joins another Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson, and a future one, Chris Paul, as the only players this century to record 200 steals in a season.

The Boomers star is the runaway league leader for steals this season, averaging three a game.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn is next best with 1.8 per game.

Despite his heroics, Daniels is at long odds to win Defensive Player of the Year with Evan Mobley and Draymond Green the favourites.

But Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr - who has Green on his team - says Daniels warrants serious consideration.

"He's got a great chance," Kerr said.

"Just watching tape to prepare for this game, the first two games I turned on - three steals immediately in each game. It was remarkable. I don't know if I've ever seen that.

"Literally the first three possessions of the game, three steals.

"He's a wrecking crew. He causes a lot of havoc. Great hands, great anticipation. He's for sure first team All-Defence and right in the mix (for Defensive Player of the Year)."