- Born in Bendigo, Australia, Daniels joins Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania) and Willy Hernangomez (Spain) as New Orleans’ trio of international players. Every other member of the current Pelicans roster came to the NBA from an NCAA hoops program. Daniels is now among six New Orleans players who were top-10 draft picks, a group that also includes Zion Williamson (No. 1 in 2019), Brandon Ingram (No. 2 in 2016), Jonas Valanciunas (No. 5 in 2011), Jaxson Hayes (No. 8 in 2019) and CJ McCollum (No. 10 in 2013).
- Daniels comes from a basketball family. His father, Ricky, played college basketball at North Carolina State, before playing professionally in Australia.
- The 19-year-old played last season for the G League Ignite, averaging 11.3 points over 14 games during the G League Showcase event. He shot 44.9 percent from the field and 25.5 percent from three-point range, but showed progress in several areas. “My game is rapidly improving,” Daniels said Thursday. “The G League was huge for me, just learning the NBA style of play. It’s a lot faster pace.”
- Asked by a New Orleans TV reporter about his opportunity to play for the Pelicans as a rookie on a deep team, Daniels responded, “Any NBA team you go to, you’ve got to earn your spot no matter what. They’ve have a great team and scorers. I feel like I can fit in several roles and be a playmaker for guys, hit guys (with passes) coming off screens.”
- Daniels expressed enthusiasm for starting his NBA career in the Crescent City. After being informed of the Pelicans’ decision, Daniels said “my heart started beating. I’m just super happy to get that phone call and (for them to) tell me I was going to be a Pelican. This is a dream come true. I’ve dreamt of this as long as I can remember.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Dyson Daniels reacts after being drafted with the 8th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)(Sarah Stier)
Five things to know about Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels
June 23, 20229:11 PM CDT