Bendigo native Dyson Daniels has become Australia’s last NBA sensation after being selected eighth overall in the 2022 draft.
The 202-cm guard watched as his material flew through the roof during the pre-draft process and his tempting potential proved too difficult for the New Orleans Pelicans not to let pass.
After being selected in the top 10, Daniels will earn more than $ 6 million in his first season and sign a two-year guaranteed contract with the Pelicans, with the team with options for a third and fourth. year.
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“When I heard my name said, my heart dropped,” Daniels told ABC.
“I’m very happy. To be a Pelican, there’s no better place, so I can’t wait to get to work. That’s crazy, really.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver poses with Dyson Daniels (Getty)
The Australian’s ability to play defending multiple positions will allow him to arrive minutes before playing alongside CJ McCollum and returning Kira Lewis Jr., who missed the 2021-22 season with an injury.
“He’s a ready defender for the NBA,” ESPN draft expert Jay Bilas said of the selection.
“He’s able to handle it, he bounces at a high pace, but he can protect multiple points. He’s a good manager and he’s a very good passer.
“It reminds me a bit of Matisse Thybulle when he came out of Washington, but he’s bigger than Thybulle. Right now he’s ready to defend in the NBA.”
Daniels joins a team that is poised to raise the NBA standings next season if All-Star striker Zion Williamson is healthy to play.
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