Daniels established himself as a great defender and knows it is that ability that will get him onto the court this season.
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Dyson Daniels established himself as a great defender to this point of his career, and the eighth pick knows it is that ability that will get him onto the court this season.
Daniels, who was born in Australia, averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals last season with the NBA G League Ignite. He emerged as perhaps the top prospect on the team and is considered one of the best perimeter defenders in this rookie class.
He is working to showcase that ability whether it be in practice or in preseason games early on. The Pelicans tipped off their preseason schedule on Tuesday and Daniels had a strong showing on that end of the court off of the bench.
Daniels tallied 15 points, five rebounds, three steals, two blocked shots and one assist in the 129-125 win over the Chicago Bulls. He was active defensively and seemingly was in the right positions throughout his 23 minutes on the court.
“That’s what I do: I come in and I defend,” Daniels said on Friday. “That’s what I’ve done my whole career, play defense. I’m going to bring that every game and every practice. My offense is coming along, as well, but I think the defense is what’s going to get me on the floor first.”
He arrived at training camp having missed all but eight minutes of summer league after suffering an ankle injury in the Pelicans’ first game. He spent much of the offseason working on his game with the coaching staff and that looks to be paying off.
Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. has noticed the impact Daniels can make on the defensive end and has been impressed by what he has seen from the rookie to this point.
With defense, some of it can be taught (but) a lot of it is just instinct. Herb (Jones) doesn’t necessarily have the longest wingspan or anything like that but he has just got the knack; his instincts are ridiculous. Dyson has got that.
Seeing the trouble he causes whether it be blocks, steals or even just something to the naked eye you wouldn’t see but just clogging a driving lane. His knack for defense and defensive IQ is already super high. He is only 18 and only going to keep getting better and better.
Daniels also worked on his offensive game throughout the summer, which is still evolving. He made it a point of emphasis to improve his shooting stroke with assistant coach Fred Vinson while also hitting on other offensive elements, as well.
With a developing offensive game, Daniels has the potential to emerge as an elite 3-and-D prospect. He knows head coach Willie Green will find minutes for him as a defender but it will be on him to improve offensively.
He looks to be up for the challenge.
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