Dyson Daniels (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
When the NBA tips off its first-ever games in Australia this October, the spotlight will be on Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans as they face Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix at Rod Laver Arena.
For Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who grew up in Bendigo, Victoria, the milestone represents a major moment for basketball in his home country.
Daniels enters the moment as one of the NBA’s most improved young guards. He enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 campaign with the Atlanta Hawks, winning the league’s Most Improved Player Award and earning a spot on the All-Defensive Team. He also finished as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year while making history as the youngest player ever to record 200 steals in a season.
Across 76 games, Daniels averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3.0 steals in 33.8 minutes per game, while shooting 49.3% from the field and 34.0% from three. His two-way play helped transform Atlanta’s perimeter defense and cemented him as one of the league’s premier young guards.
A Milestone For Australian Basketball
Before the NBA formally unveiled the Melbourne series, Daniels shared how significant it felt to see the league turn its attention toward Australia.
“It’s huge,” Daniels told RG. “I think the game’s really grown in Australia, especially through the youth. The last five, 10 years has really come a long way.”
He explained that NBA teams competing against NBL powerhouses in Melbourne would be a powerful statement about the country’s growth as a basketball nation.
“So for them to have a game out there, show support to Australia, I’m sure Australia is going to support the game and come out,” Daniels continued. “Hopefully it’s a good show. The two teams that are going up against Melbourne and Southeast Melbourne are very, very good teams as well. So it should be a good game.”
Daniels stressed that the importance of the series extends beyond a pair of exhibition games. For him, it’s about the opportunity for Australian basketball as a whole to be showcased on a global stage.
“It’s a good opportunity for Australia as a whole to have the NBL team go over there and compete,” Daniels said. “I’m looking forward to watching that.”
A Family Connection
The event carries personal meaning for Daniels, too. His younger brother, Dash, signed with Melbourne United as a Next Star this year, positioning himself as one of the brightest young Australian prospects ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.
“It’ll be huge,” Daniels said. “Little bro just signed with Melbourne, so he’ll be there for that game. That’ll probably be his first game for them.”
The idea of Dash testing himself against NBA talent at just 17 years old is something Daniels sees as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“It’ll be like an exhibition match, a practice game,” Daniels stated. “To go up against some NBA players, I’m sure it’s going to be a good opportunity for him to showcase his skills and to kind of learn what the NBA style is like.”
Growth of a Young Prospect
Daniels has tracked his brother’s rise closely, even from afar. He noted that Dash’s development has been steady and impressive.
“I’ve been around him the last three years because I’ve been over here, but I’ve seen him progress a lot,” Daniels said of his brother. “He’s pretty much my height now, 6’6″. He’s put on some size.”
He went on to highlight Dash’s expanding game on both ends of the floor.
“As he gets older, he’s getting more athletic, learning the game more, shooting the ball better. He’s a really good defender as well—he got the Defensive Player of the Camp at BWB. His whole game’s evolving.”
That growth has already translated into early production with Melbourne United. Through his first two NBL games of the 2025-26 season, Dash is averaging 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists in about 17.5 minutes per game, while shooting 54% from the field. It’s a solid start for the 17-year-old guard as he establishes his role in the rotation during his rookie campaign.
Sharing Australia With The NBA
Daniels also wanted his former Pelicans teammates and other NBA visitors to enjoy more than just basketball during their stay in Melbourne.
“Go have some beers down there. Meat pie. Go watch some footy,” Daniels said with a smile.
To him, the trip is about embracing the culture as much as the competition.
“Just enjoy the culture. Get down to the pub, sink some beers. That’s all I can say.”