Projected lottery pick Dyson Daniels told Jonathan Givony of ESPN on Saturday that he is entering the 2022 NBA draft after one season with the G League Ignite.
Daniels, who was born in Australia, averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals with the Ignite this season. He emerged as one of the top prospects on the team and is viewed as one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft.
Before joining the Ignite, Daniels spent time at the NBA Academy in Australia. He emerged as one of the top international prospects after participating in several events, including the 2020 Torneo Junior Ciutat de L’Hospitalet in Barcelona, Spain.
Daniels is poised to become just the second player from the NBA Academy (Josh Giddey) to be drafted. He is currently projected to be taken in the 10-15 range by most mock drafts.
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Daniels, a 6-foot-6 guard, impressed with his decision-making throughout the year and his ability to make plays for others. He struggled to shoot from deep, converting on only 25.5% of his 3.6 attempts, but he figures to affect games in a variety of ways at the next level.
Declaring for the draft was a formality by Daniels after spending time with the Ignite. The program was developed to offer some of the top prospects an avenue to play professionally under the tutelage of NBA coaches and veteran players.
The Ignite sent the likes of Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix to the NBA last year. Daniels was part of the second Ignite class and is poised to become part of the next wave of prospects set to enter the NBA.
The NBA draft will take place on June 23.
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