Dyson Daniels is congratulated by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.Credit:Getty Images
Daniels grew up playing with and against fellow Australian Josh Giddey,and he can’t wait to square off against his mate in the NBA.
“It would be cool to play against my boy Josh Giddey. It would be cool to play against LeBron James and Russell Westbrook,who I idolised growing up,” Daniels said.
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“I’m just so happy to be a Pelican and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Daniels was asked about his eye-catching silver suit,and he said he wanted to have some fun on such a special day.
“This is a one-off opportunity,the NBA draft,so I had to put something together,a little shine on it,” Daniels said with a smile.
Daniels’ selection makes it four consecutive years Australian Boomers players have been drafted in the first round following Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder 2021),Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks 2020) and Matisse Thybulle (Boston Celtics,then traded to Philadelphia 76ers,2019).
The Orlando Magic selected forward Paolo Banchero from Duke University with the No.1 pick,Oklahoma City Thunder selected centre Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga University with the second pick,where he will join Giddey.
Number 1 pick in the NBA Draft,Paolo Banchero,right,meets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected by the Orlando Magic.Credit:AP
Dieng,a French national who played with the New Zealand Breakers this past NBL season,is keen to join the Thunder this season while,as second-round picks,Travers and Besson could remain overseas for a year or two.
Besson sat in the crowd during all 58 picks before being called out last,he still strode up to the stage and posed for pictures with deputy commissioner Mark Tatum. The Pacers later traded Besson’s draft rights to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The French sharp-shooter showed in the NBL season he had no fear on the basketball court,now the question is when late picks like Travers and himself get a chance to play on an NBA court.