The New Orleans Pelicans were in the rare position of being a playoff team that still got to pick in the lottery, using the 8th pick they received from the Lakers to select Dyson Daniels.
The Australian is an intriguing two-way prospect out of the G-League, who can handle the ball, slash on the wing and defend multiple positions.
He’ll be joining a loaded roster that has eyes on a deep playoff run, so Daniels is going to have to earn every minute and could start the season out of the rotation. He also suffered an injury in Summer League that limited him to just eight minutes, so he’s going to have to be impressive in training camp and preseason to get time early in the regular season.
Willie Green has shown that he will play the young players if they put in effort on the defensive end, so Daniels won’t sit for long if he is putting in the work.
His size and defense might be playable right away, and I do think Dyson Daniels will work his way into the rotation eventually and make an impact next season.
Here are three bold predictions for Daniels’ rookie season.
New Orleans Pelicans: 3 bold predictions for Dyson Daniels
#1: Daniels will get minutes over Devonte’ Graham
The New Orleans Pelicans will have a trio of small guards coming off the bench in Jose Alvarado, Devonte’ Graham and Kira Lewis Jr.
It appears as though Alvarado has a lock on one of those spots, as he was a proven impact player off the bench who played well down the stretch and made a difference with his defense.
Playing Jose alongside Graham or Lewis Jr. could prove to be problematic, as they are all small and can really only defend one position, though Alvarado can hold his own against just about anyone.
This could lead to Daniels eventually getting the nod off the bench, as he is 6-foot-7, can defend multiple spots, and his 6-foot-11 wingspan can be disruptive on the perimeter. The Pelicans could put in defensive lineups with Alvarado, Daniels and Herbert Jones that could potentially be lockdown and match up against anyone.
The Pels need Graham’s shooting, but coach Green has shown a preference for defense, so if Daniels shows he can defend, Graham could be the odd man out of the rotation.
Getting regular rotation minutes would be huge for Dyson Daniels as a teenager in his first year in the league.
#2: Daniels will hit shots
This is probably the boldest prediction, as Daniels shot just 25 percent from 3-point range and his shot was thought to be his biggest weakness, as he is a good…
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