Welcome to the NBA, Dyson Daniels.
The Aussie draftee is making his mark in his first real opportunity on an NBA court for the New Orleans Pelicans.
With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram both sidelined through injury, Daniels saw an extended run in the first half of the Pelicans’ clash with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday (all times AEDT) and shined.
Watch an average of 9 LIVE NBA Regular Season games per week on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Wed, 26 Oct
Wednesday October 26th
Daniels racked up nine points on 4-of-4 shooting, one triple, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 15 minutes of action – perhaps most impressively while matched up against Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic.
The Pick 8’s impact went beyond the stat sheet though, making plays on offense including a nice spin move and finish and being active on the defensive end – even remarkably picking Doncic’s pocket twice.
Above all, Daniels looked like he belonged on an NBA court as one of the most impactful players in the first half, which New Orleans led 66-64.
“Daniels is making an impact on this game at both ends of the floor in his first significant opportunity to play,” former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy said on TNT.
“I used to always say to guys at the beginning of the season, everyone on the roster’s opportunity will come at some point, and it always does, it’s inevitable.
“The question is will you be ready when your time comes – and Dyson Daniels certainly has been tonight.”
Daniels checked into the game with 4:35 left in the first term and was immediately assigned to Doncic in a tough introduction to the league and mighty test for the young guard. Defensive assignments frankly don’t come much bigger.
But the 19-year-old was up for the challenge.
He stayed in the game until just before half-time – essentially playing 15 minutes straight – such was his impact including a particularly impressive second term where he kept Doncic honest offensively after the Slovenian’s early explosion.
“Dyson Daniels getting an extended run and making the most of it,” TNT commentator Ian Eagle added.
Daniels had already played three minutes in junk time in the Pelicans’ meeting with the Nets in their season opener in what was technically his official debut.
He was drafted by New Orleans with the eighth overall pick in last year’s draft.
.