Pelicans fans embrace new ‘Crocodile Dundee’
VICTORIAN Dyson Daniels won’t be handed the starting playmaking keys like fellow Aussie rookie Josh Giddey at the OKC Thunder, but the New Orleans Pelicans are embracing an “NBA-ready defender” who has already been nicknamed ‘Crocodile Dundee’ by the Pelicans faithful.
Daniels will link with rising star Zion Williamson after the Pelicans selected the emerging Boomers guard with the eighth pick in the NBA draft.
The 19-year-old’s journey from Bendigo to the world’s best basketball league is complete, capping a stunning rise from schoolboy to megastar 12 months ahead of schedule.
Daniels has signed with the Pelicans as the 32nd Australian to make the NBA.
He will join New Orleans stars like Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum.
The Pelicans made the playoffs last season, but lost to Phoenix Suns in the first round.
Daniels, 19, is now an instant millionaire, taking home an annual salary of at least $A4.4 million.
He stood out at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn in his metallic silver suit, matching watch and black tie.
The gun guard was still in disbelief when he spoke to the media after his selection.
“When I heard my name called, my heart just dropped,” Daniels said.
“I’m just so happy. To be a Pelican ... there’s no better place. I can’t wait to get to work – this is crazy.”
In other draft news, former New Zealand Breakers NBL Next Star Ousmane Dieng will join Giddey at Oklahoma City after the Frenchman was selected with the 11th pick before being traded by the New York Knicks to the Thunder.
The Cleveland Cavaliers left it late but selected former Wildcats guard Luke Travers with the 56th pick in the second round.