Dyson Daniels achieved his dream of being drafted to the NBA today, being selected eighth by the New Orleans Pelicans.
Daniels grew up in Bendigo, just over 150 kilometres north of Melbourne and is the son of long-time NBL1 import Ricky Daniels.
His father is a Bendigo Braves legend, to the extent that his number was retired at Bendigo Stadium.
Daniels decided to go against playing in the NCAA as well as turned a Next Stars deal to play in the NBL over plating for the G-League Ignite program.
The Ignite team is a first-of-its-kind team, dedicated to developing young prospects in preparation for the draft as an alternate pathway to college basketball. Daniels finished his time with the Ignite averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
Dyson’s stock has been rising and his highlights show us why 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/0lHVvuIicL
— NBA G League Ignite (@gleagueignite) June 18, 2022
His breakout performance came back in March when he went close to recording Ignite’s first-ever triple double, finishing with 21 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists against the Stockton Kings.
He also represented Australia in July’s FIBA U19 World Cup, averaging 14 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists through seven games in Latvia.
Prior to the draft, it was speculated he would be taken anywhere from pick #7 to pick #18.
With the 8th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Pelicans select guard @DysonDaniels (G League Ignite)! 🇦🇺
#PelicansDraft pic.twitter.com/zPsKozQmyV— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) June 24, 2022
How Daniels will fare will be decided in time but that doesn’t stop the plethora of NBA media outlets who weighed in today with their thoughts on Daniels and what his NBA future holds.
BLEACHER REPORT
Assuming Zion Williamson puts his health problems behind him—a big assumption, but stay with me—the Pelicans have far fewer holes on their roster than their 46 losses would make you think. They could’ve gone any direction here, and they were smart to snatch up the fast-rising Daniels.
He wowed on the predraft circuit, as he should have. His size-skill combination is drool-worthy. He is the second jumbo-sized playmaker (6’6”) plucked from Australia and planted in the lottery in as many years (joining last year’s No. 6 pick, Josh Giddey). Whatever they’re doing with big guards down under, it’s clearly working.
As with Giddey, Daniels arrives in the Association with a shaky jump shot, and where that stroke eventually lands will determine what kind of career he has. Still, he offers too much as a versatile defender, slasher, playmaker and rebounder to not at least settle in as a do-it-all role player.
Daniels feeding Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum should be all kinds of fun. Daniels teaming with Herbert Jones sounds suffocating at the other end. Nice pick.
Grading: A-
SPORTING NEWS
The Pelicans land a perfect piece for their up-and-coming core in Daniels at No. 7. Daniels is arguably the best perimeter defender in this draft and he can guard up and down the positional chart with his 6-foot-8 size and length. He’s a savvy playmaker who can take some pressure off of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram and after playing professionally for the Ignite this past season, he’s as NBA-ready as any prospect. The Pelicans were already knocking on the door of being a competitor in the West upon Zion Williamson’s return. This selection only helps them take another step forward.
DRAFT KINGS
The upside is there, but it’s hard to be a guard without a three-point shot. The Pelicans do have some perimeter shooters so it’s not a terrible fit, but New Orleans could’ve gone with a safer player here.
Grading: C+
FOX SPORTS
As part of a G League Ignite program that sees some young players take too many shots, Daniels is the exact opposite of that. He was a team player for Ignite, flashing his ball-handling skills and delivering pro-type passes throughout this past season. Daniels is a big guard, and because of his frame, his defense is beyond his years. There’s an argument to be heard that he’s the best defensive guard in this class.
He’s very switchable and is strong at fighting through ball screens. Beyond what he does as a distributor and defender, Daniels’ level of maturity and poise is really impressive. Having spent time with the 19-year-old in Las Vegas during his Ignite season, his selfless attitude and want to win oozed out of him. He has the type of demeanor, IQ and overall skill set to be a solid role player for a long time. The one concern? His jumper.
The Pelicans need shooting and defense. Daniels addresses the latter part. With the core of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, and the return of Zion Williamson to the fold, it’s going to be interesting to see how a willing passer like Daniels fits in. The perimeter shot certainly needs work, but I think that’s something to bet on. I’m bullish on Daniels and think he’s mature for 19.
Grading: A-
CBS SPORTS
Daniels isn’t quite the prospect previous Ignite stars have been but is still a fascinating guard with size who can play with or without the ball. His jumper, at this point, is the biggest area of concern, but if the Pelicans can get that falling, he has a high ceiling. And this Pelicans team is very close to being a legitimate contender — though a lot of that falls on Zion Williamson. Daniels fits really nicely into that core as arguably the best perimeter defender in this draft.
Grading: A+
THE RINGER
Oh my, Pelicans fans are going to love watching Daniels and Herb Jones play defense together. Opposing teams will hate it. I love this pick. The Pelicans didn’t have any huge needs entering the draft, but Daniels can play now while providing long-term upside. If the development in his jumper is real, he should fit well in a balanced New Orleans offense alongside Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Zion Williamson. He also gives New Orleans another valuable two-way wing in addition to Herb Jones. He was probably the highest-upside pick available on the board, which is a smart move for a promising franchise on the rise without any big holes.
Grading: A