Why Dyson Daniels’ future with Pelicans is murky entering offseason

The New Orleans Pelicans were swept out of the NBA Playoffs largely due to injuries, sure. Brandon Ingram was not quite at 100% when returning from a knee issue suffered a month before the postseason tipped off. Zion Williamson went days just days before a possible NBA Playoffs debut, pulling up with a hamstring problem three-quarters of the way through a 40-point game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Still, a point guard and a better-fitting big man would have helped against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Dyson Daniels was drafted to be the lead guard for the Pelicans. The long yet stocky Austrailian’s defense-first mindset is paired with an above-average passing ability. His 6’8” frame provides a vision window that makes traditional point guards like Chris Paul jealous. Unfortunately, the former eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has been outplayed by Jose Alvarado over the last two seasons.

The franchise’s lottery pick-level investment has not quite paid off for New Orleans but there is still time to cash in on the 21-year-old’s potential.

• The Good
  • tied for 13th among all NBA players in steals at 1.4 per game
  • 2.3 thefts per 36 minutes ranked 3rd in the NBA
  • Under team control for $13.7 million over the next 2 seasons
  • Most steals (85) among second-year players
  • 22nd in Deflections in 2023-24
  • 3rd in Deflections per 36 minutes
  • 2.78: 1 assists to turnover ratio
  • +7.9 year-over-year increase in Offensive Rating
• The Bad
  • 31% from three-point range
  • 45th in three-pointer percentage among second-year players
  • 64% from the free throw line
  • only 53 free throw attempts in 60 games
  • 35.6% on pull-up shots
  • 52% Effective Field Goal Percentage
  • -4 drop in Defensive Rating
  • 4 points and 0 assists in 17 minutes during NBA Playoffs
  • only scored more than 10 points 5 times all season

Give Daniels credit for coming into a crowded situation and adjusting to life halfway around the world from home.

“I think I took a step from last year in defending, being able to play with a presence, playing with the ball, playmaker for my teammates,” Daniels said. “Growth in a little bit of everything in my game. There’s a lot more growth I have left in me. I’m looking forward to showing that in year three.”

Where will Daniels call home during Year Three though? That’s still dependent on a bunch of moving parts.

Pelicans dangling Dyson Daniels in trade talks