12:50 GMT
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ESPN staff
Australian Dyson Daniels has been selected by the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 8 in the 2022 NBA Draft.
For a long time, Daniels had been considered one of the top 10 opportunities, and he proved it when NBA commissioner Adam Silver revealed the Pelicans’ choice.
The Daniels selection continues with a series of Australian picks in recent years, with Josh Giddey selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in sixth place in 2021, while Josh Green moved to the Dallas Mavericks at number 18 in 2020.
Daniels had spent last season perfecting his skills with the NBA G-League Ignite.
The Bendigo-born goalkeeper has already represented Australia at junior level and has indicated his desire to join the Boomers and boost future Olympic and world achievements.
He said he can’t wait to get to work to help the Pelicans improve on their playoff career this past season.
“That’s huge, they took a big step last year in the playoffs and they did well,” he said.
“By joining this team, I can help them do better in the playoffs. I’m a winner, I hate losing, so I’ll do what they need and I can definitely play some roles and contribute right away.
“I’m so happy … to be a Pelican, there’s no better place. I can’t wait to get to work. That’s crazy.”
Thursday’s first draft pick came as the first slight surprise, when the Orlando Magic picked striker Duke Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 pick, after weeks of speculation that Jabari Smith Jr. of Auburn or Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga could be first of the list of Orlando.
Smith went to the Houston Rockets with No. 3 pick, while Holmgren (No. 2) will join Giddey in Oklahoma City, who also earned an NBL graduate in No. 11 pick.
NBL Next Stars ’French product Ousmane Dieng, the New Zealand Breakers’ import, was picked up by the New York Knicks and immediately traded for future first-round picks.
NBA DRAFT TOP 10
1. Paolo Banchero (Magic)
2. Chet Holmgren (Tron)
3. Jabari Smith (Rockets)
4. Keegan Murray (Reis)
5. Ivey Field (Pistons)
6. Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers)
7. Shaedon Sharpe (Trail Blazers)
8. Dyson Daniels (Pelicans)
9. Jeremy Sochan (Spurs)
10. Johnny Davis (Magos)