Dyson Daniels’ NBA pre-season debut received widespread praise as the Australian looks to push his case for an immediate role for New Orleans in his rookie season.
Following a strong campaign for G League team Ignite, the 19-year-old Australian was taken eighth in this year’s NBA draft by the Pelicans.
He showed exactly why New Orleans selected him that high on Wednesday (AEST), scoring 15 points and adding five rebounds, three steals and two blocks in a 129-125 win over Chicago.
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He played 23 minutes while star Zion Williamson returned from a long-term injury.
In the first three quarters, Daniels had only five points, shooting 0-5 from the perimeter and just 2-4 from the free throw line.
But he flicked the switch in the fourth quarter, nailing three 3-pointers and two clutch free throws to seal the game with 11 seconds to go.
However, two plays particularly turned heads; a slick no-look assist and a nicely timed block on Nikola Vucevic in the second quarter.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Daniels explained his slow start.
“I was playing way too fast. Big adrenaline. My first time out there, so I had to slow myself down,” he said.
“Once I settled myself down, I started feeling comfortable out there, handling the ball better…it just took a little bit to calm down, but I’m looking forward to improving and moving forward.”
New Orleans plays Detroit at home in their next pre-season game on Saturday, before travelling to San Antonio and Miami next week.
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