As the 2022 NBA Draft draws nearer, it’s becoming more and more evident that the Cleveland Cavaliers need to hit a home run with the 14th pick. Even having said that, with so much mystery surrounding this year’s draft class, do the Cavs even have a general idea of who will be available at pick 14?
I would think they do, or they wouldn’t be working in the front office. With that being said there have been some real risers as of late, but also some prospects have really fallen off over the past 10 or so days.
For example, Jalen Williams out of Santa Clara is skyrocketing up draft boards after having very good measurables at the combine last week. However, on the flip side, Patrick Baldwin Jr., who was the number eight overall recruit in the class of 2021, had a horrible combine, and a lot of people are saying he needs another year in college. Today, we’re going to take a look at an exciting dynamic guard, who can be one of the best on-ball defenders in the league.
Dyson Daniels is an Australian guard who has incredible leaping ability, and athleticism. Those two things bode well for him from on the defensive end as well. He loves to get into passing lanes, and hounding opposing ball-handlers for 40 minutes per night. Playing for the G-League Ignite alongside Jaden Hardy, Daniels averaged 11 points per game to go along with over six rebounds per game. He truly is an interesting prospect because he could end up being a player the caliber of Russell Westbrook in his time.
Nonetheless, if he doesn’t work on his shooting, and overall offensive game, it will be hard for him to get NBA minutes early on in his career. With that being said, let’s check out Dyson Daniels’ scouting report.
Dyson Daniels Scouting Report
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 199 LBS
2021-2022 G-League Ignite Stats: 11.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.4 APG
Three-Point/Field Goal/Free Throw: 26%/45%/74%
Daniels is a bit of a polarizing prospect. On the offensive end is where he’ll need to improve the most.
After shooting only 26% from three this past season, it’s clear he’s not going to be the next knockdown shooter. But, he’s explosive off the dribble, and has the ability to contort his body so he can finish at the rim. He moves well off the ball, giving him the potential to be one of the better young slashers in the NBA. He’s not the quickest player, but he does find success attacking the rim.
On the defensive end, he’s a menace. He loves to jump passing lanes, and is always looking to rattle his opponents. He should have no problem getting at least a steal a game at the next level. On top of everything else, he is similar to Johnny Davis out of Wisconsin in the sense that he’s also a very good rebounder for his position. I was impressed with Davis’ numbers, but Daniels was getting six per game last year versus grown men.
Even though Daniels gives you a lot of reasons to love him, he does need to polish up certain parts of his game. On both ends of the floor, he can be a bit out of control at times. Whether it be taking a bad shot, or playing overaggressive in passing lanes and giving up wide open layups from some miscues.
The Australian plays with a mean streak at both ends of the floor.
But, he can’t shoot?
The biggest issue with Daniels’ game is without a doubt his shooting and shot selection. Not only did he shoot under 30% from three, but his 45% shooting from the field isn’t overly impressive either. On top of that, there were many instances during the G-League season where he took an unneeded and dumb shot.
So, by now you’re thinking, well how would Daniels’ help the Cavs next year if they selected him in the 2022 NBA Draft? His athleticism, and ability to move freely without the ball, would be a major help to the Cavaliers. Another overlooked part of his game, is his ability to post up smaller guards. He uses the strength he has to find the best angles to hit his shots.
Personally, I don’t love the idea of drafting Daniels. If we’ve learned anything from this season’s playoffs, it’s that you need to have shooters. Players that can’t shoot, are a liability at times. Daniels would definitely buy into head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s defense-first philosophy, but without a lot to offer at the offensive end yet, I would pass on Daniels if he’s available.
Based on recent comments from reporter Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com in a mailbag set of responses (subscription required), though, Daniels might not be available for Cleveland, anyway.
Overall, I do think Daniels will be a solid NBA player, depending on which team he gets drafted to. Going to play for the San Antonio Spurs and a head coach like Gregg Popovich would be a great landing spot for him. However, we’ll have to see what shakes out.
In the end Daniels is a great prospect depending on the needs of your team. But, with his limited offensive arsenal currently, I’d prefer the Cavaliers pass on this guy if he’s really not going to bring anything to the table offensively as a scorer early on, if he’s on the board.