Opinion
Kyrie Irving was the first NBA player who has Australian citizenship who won an NBA Rookie of the Year award back in 2012. Then there’s Ben Simmons in 2018.
This year, 2022, the 19-year-old, from Bendigo Australia, Dyson Daniels was selected #8 pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Dyson Daniels was part of the NBA G League Ignite roster, where he averaged 12 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and two steals per game.
Unfortunately, as the 2022 NBA Summer League began, Daniels who played his first game as a Pelican, suffered a right ankle sprain during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He then became ruled out for the whole summer league games due to his injury.
But hey, the good news is, according to a report by Chris Dodson, Pelicans scoop writer, Daniels is “Close to 100 Percent” going into the Pelicans Training Camp which was posted on July 21, 2022. The Australian basketball community can now assume that Dyson is already 100 percent to this day.
If you are still unsure of what can Dyson bring to the Pelicans, I got you. According to his scouting report, Daniels is a big guard who can definitely pass the ball, get rebounds and play defense against other players and these are his forte that sets him different from the other prospects.
Pelican fans can expect a much-improved team defense when Zion Williamson sets back in and don’t forget the tough small guy, Jose Alvarado.
Now for the question, Is Dyson Daniels going to be that guy for the Pelicans?
The quick answer would be “yes”.
I strongly believe Dyson will have an impact during his rookie year as long as he will stay healthy. We are talking about a 19-year old, 6’8 guy with a 6’11 wingspan who can score and make passes for his team mates and can defend with his long lanky arms.
I’ve seen Dyson’s workout and training on YouTube with his fellow Aussie, the sophomore from OKC Thunder, Josh Giddey. These two Aussies are a must-watch going to the NBA season.
Dyson Daniels is one of Australian basketball’s rising stars. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
For those who are wondering, what are the areas Dyson can or needs to improve? I’d say his jump shot consistency, his finishing repertoire and needs to build up his muscles and gain more weight.
He needs to be able to finish with different styles if he’s going to be playing against guys, like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo. We all know what these tough guys can do front court.
The Pelicans community should be really excited and hopeful for their young rookie. I hope they will welcome their new guys with whole heart and give their best support for them. Entering the season, we are expecting a 100 percent healthy team with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum leading the squad.
The Pelicans’ first preseason game will be at Chicago, October 5 and their first official NBA game will be on October 20, where they will be hosted by the Nets.
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