Dyson Daniels: NBA Draft Odds, Pick Projection, Stats & Highlights

When the ball bounced directly to Dyson Daniels, his ensuing shot appeared easy and natural.

The moment was far from simple. Daniels, an NBA G League Ignite guard with +50000 NBA odds to be selected first overall, was tasked with lifting his team in a clutch situation.

Ignite was tied with Salt Lake City with less than 30 seconds left in overtime. When a potentially game-changing shot was blocked, it went to Daniels.

He was ready. 

He rose up and attempted a 3-pointer from the left wing. It was precise. With less than 15 seconds left, Ignite was in control.

Daniels has shown he can shine under immense pressure.

Dyson Daniels Draft Odds

Daniels is tied for the 12th-best NBA Draft odds to be selected first overall at +50000. Jabari Smith of Auburn is first at -155, while Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren is second at +115 and Duke’s Paolo Banchero is third at +1500.

The Orlando Magic have the first overall pick after going 22-60 a year ago. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets pick second and third, respectively.

Dyson Daniels Draft Pick Projection

Daniels could help the San Antonio Spurs if he is taken with the No. 9 overall pick.

Despite picking so high in the draft, the Spurs qualified for the postseason play-in tournament after going 34-48 overall. They were 17th in offensive rating, 16th in defensive rating, 17th in net rating and 13th in player impact estimate last season.

Dejounte Murray paced San Antonio with 21.1 points, 9.2 assists and two steals per game at point guard. No one other than Keldon Johnson averaged more than 15 points per game. Derrick White was third in scoring average, but he was sent to the Boston Celtics this season.

Daniels has enough positional flexibility to fit in with the Spurs’ backcourt. Plus, legendary head coach Gregg Popovich should help him develop.

Dyson Daniels of G-League Ignite, a possible top-10 pick, shows off his 3-point shot at his pre-draft workout with the Wizards. pic.twitter.com/eoZuaBlBXI

— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) June 11, 2022

Dyson Daniels Stats

Rather than play collegiately, Daniels joined the NBA G League’s Ignite team a season ago after participating in several top-notch international tournaments and competitions. 

On the year, he averaged 11.3 points on 45% shooting while making 26% of his 3-point attempts and 74% of his free throws, according to Basketball Reference. He added 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.7 blocks per contest.

Daniels, a 6-foot-6, 199-pound guard from Australia, went to the G League after competing in the NBA Global Academy. He played in the FIBA U19 World Cup for his country and totaled 14 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists in seven games.

Dyson Daniels Draft Profile

Quickness is a common theme in Daniels’ game.

His first step on drives can probably help him go past NBA defenders like it did in the G League. This helps him reach the rim for dunks or in transition.

When he does drive, his floater is consistent. But while he can thrive under pressure and has a fast release, his outside shot could connect more consistently as proven by his percentages in the G League.

Dyson Daniels getting jumpers up in front of Pacers decision makers: pic.twitter.com/tvhQ8X8Bwq

— Tony East (@TEastNBA) June 10, 2022

Daniels is a smart passer. He anticipates well in fast breaks. He can find teammates on cuts to the hoop or when he’s double-teamed, as he can deliver the ball from many angles.

It’s clear Daniels relishes blocking shots, and his explosiveness helps him dunk on putbacks on the other end. Moreover, he’s a defender capable of limiting opponents at multiple positions.

However, he does cough up turnovers that he shouldn’t. If he hopes to succeed in the NBA, this will likely need to improve.

But overall, Daniels should have a bright future ahead of him.