‘I’m always going to be humble’: $64m a year Bendigo basketball export Dyson Daniels opens up on life as an NBA star

Bendigo born US basketball mega star Dyson Daniels has called for NBA games to be played annually in Melbourne — with hopes his Atlanta Hawks will be pitted against Josh Giddey’s Chicago Bulls next year — as part of a revealing interview.

Bendigo born and raised US basketball star Dyson Daniels has called for a historic first NBA game in Melbourne this year to become an annual event.

And the freshly minted NBA Most Improved Player of the Year wants next year’s Melbourne match to pit his Atlanta Hawks against the Chicago Bulls, with Yarraville export Josh Giddey.

After a breakout season which also saw him finish runner up as NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Daniels said the history making match between New Orleans Pelicans and Melbourne NBL outfits should be the first of many.

“I’m sure it will be annual, especially if this ones goes well,’’ he said.

“It will be really good for Australia, hopefully we get to see a game a year and hopefully it’s the Hawks soon.’’

Daniels goes for a shot against Orlando Magic’s Anthony Black during an NBA play-in tournament game on April 15, 2025, in Orlando. Picture: John Raoux

The Herald Sun this year revealed the Pelicans would become the first NBA team to play on Australian soil, against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne at Rod Laver Arena in October.

It is believed the state government, through Visit Victoria, targeted the Pelicans in a multimillion-dollar deal when Daniels played for the team, only to see him traded to the Hawks.

But, in an exclusive Herald Sun interview, Daniels said: “It’s cool. I think Australia deserves it because they’ve done some (NBA games) in Mexico, in Europe, so Australia is probably the next biggest market.

“To make the effort to come, 16 hours on a plane, it’s special and it just shows that Australian sport is trending in the right direction.’’

Richmond fan Daniels has soaked up AFL action since arriving home.

“I’m a big footy fan and I’m a big Tiges man,’’ he said.

Dyson Daniels (right) with his younger brother Dash.

Daniels says he is not motivated by money and stays humble. Picture: Getty

“We are actually going better this year than what I thought, I thought we were going into a rebuild phase but I’m happy with how we are trending.

“I played footy growing up and I always go for a kick with my mates.

“I kicked a few sausage rolls the other day.’’

Daniels’ incredible season, boasting defensive stats rivalling the likes of Magic Johnson at a similar age, will make him one of the richest Australian athletes in history.

He is in line for a payday as high as $320m over five years – $64m a year.

But he said he was not motivated by money and had made a point of going to the pub with mates and eating parmas since returning to Australia.

“For me, I’m always going to be humble,’’ he said

“I’m always going to be grounded no matter what.

Daniels has called for annual Melbourne-based NBA games. Picture: Getty

“The money is obviously a benefit but for me, I just love the game and getting out there and playing.

“I enjoy doing the things that everyone would do – going to the pub, hanging with my friends, going to play golf.

“For me it’s easy to stay humble and I will stay humble my whole life.’’

Daniels said he was blown away by the popularity of US sports watched down under, which hospitality groups have linked to a slam dunk for the economy.

Sporting Globe executive Luke Peters said patronage had “absolutely exploded with bookings for NBA matches up 59 per cent in the past two years and the Superbowl now surpassed AFL and NRL Grand Finals.

Dyson Daniels with NBA fans Kaylah Pangbourne and Caleb Hounihan with American style pub food at The Sporting Globe in Richmond. Picture: David Caird

Daniels hoped the “Great Barrier Thief” nickname he this year earned for his defensive feats stuck.

“This one has stuck, though I always say I’m not sure the Americans even know where the Great Barrier Reef even is,’’ he said.

“They just go with it because it sounds cool but it’s cool to have a nickname and it’s kind of blown up a bit.’’