After their 2022 playoffs run, the New Orleans Pelicans were expected to be a must-see TV with the inclusion of Zion Williamson. However, nobody could’ve quite expected just how good Willie Green’s boys would end up performing. Rookie Dyson Daniels is the standout surprise.
Advertisement
Currently placed 3rd in the Western Conference with an impressive 18-12 record, the Pelicans are merely 1 game behind the top-most seed. Of course, contributions from Zion, CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and Brandon Ingram are to be credited for the same.
However, being an extremely important asset for the Louisiana-based franchise, Dyson Daniels’ contributions should not be overlooked.
Also Read: Zion Williamson-Brandon Ingram Chemistry is the Key Says Shams Charania
Dyson Daniels is a defensive menace
Drafted by the Pelicans with their 8th pick of the 2022 Draft, the 19-year-old is one of the best defensive players of his class. During his time with the G-League Ignite, Daniels showed sparks of being one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.
Even though the 6-foot-8 youngster is averaging merely 5.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, the Australian, alongside Herbert Jones, has been the defensive anchor of this young NOLA squad.
In only the first 22 games of his career, Dyson has left fans in awe. Using his lengthy 6-foot-11 wingspan to an advantage, the guard has managed to steal the ball from superstars such as LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Chris Paul, among several others.
Wow 19 year old Dyson Daniels is a defensive prodigy. 6’7 with a 6’11 wingspan but plays and moves like a PG
In 22 career games, he has steals on Luka, LeBron, CP3, SGA, Jokic, among other victims. Scary defensive ceiling and extremely high feel. PERFECT fit next to Zion and BI pic.twitter.com/ZQavUgQXxy
— NBA University (@NBA_University) December 21, 2022
Willie Green loves Daniels
So far, coach Willie Green has been satisfied with what the young man has had to offer.
Over several instances, the Pels HC has spoken highly of the teenager’s game and his improvements.
After New Orleans’ win over the Raptors early in December, Green said:
“It’s funny watching Dyson play, he’s just getting better and better the more he gets time. He’s poised.”
“It’s funny watching Dyson play, he’s just getting better and better the more he gets time. He’s poised.”
-HC Willie Green on Dyson Daniels pic.twitter.com/CU46O4NeFG
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 1, 2022
Later, in the very next week, Willie expressed his satisfaction with what Dyson has produced.
“I think his ability to guard especially on the ball it’s really, he’s really good. Really good instincts. Doesn’t make a ton of mistakes and like I said it’s pretty fascinating.”
Clearly, Daniels plays an important role in NOLA’s rotation. Goes without saying that this prodigy will be a huge asset in helping the team get wins.
Also Read: Nikola Jokic Screams at Shaquille O’Neal for Using Russian Instead of Serbian
