Hawks’ Dyson Daniels Denies Making Gun Gesture At Pelicans’ Bench

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels rejects the claim that he made a gun gesture with his right hand toward former teammates after hitting a 3-pointer in front of the Pelicans’ bench during Sunday night’s 126-111 victory in New Orleans.

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels says he extended his thumb and two other fingers for a 3-point celebration

“I was just telling them all that it was worth 3 points,” Daniels said, explaining that when he extended his right arm toward the Pelicans’ bench area, his thumb and two other fingers were extended, symbolizing 3 points.

When told his gesture also appeared to resemble a gun, Daniels said, “It might have looked like it, but I was just telling them it was worth 3 points. You know, pointing at them all, that’s all it was. I was making sure they all knew how many points it was worth.”

Dyson Daniels hit a 3 in front of the Pelicans bench than pulled the switch out and shot at them 🤣🤣😭😭 pic.twitter.com/TQz9niKxcW

— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) November 4, 2024

The NBA has issued fines to players in the past decade for making gun gestures, including $35,000 to Josh Jackson in 2017 and $25,000 to Gerald Green in 2015.

Additionally, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was suspended 25 games in 2023 for brandishing a firearm during a social media video. Morant filmed himself on Instagram Live holding a handgun while intoxicated at a Denver night club.

New Orleans Pelicans’ bench asked officials to issue Daniels a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct

Moreover, the Pelicans’ bench appeared to ask officials to assess Daniels a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct, according to Brett Martel of The Associated Press.

“I didn’t get one. So, the ref was right,” added Daniels. “I was just out there having fun. I was hoping to hit a 3 in that corner so I could let the bench know about it. It was a game I had circled on my calendar.”

Daniels, 21, was selected eighth overall by the Pelicans in the 2022 NBA draft. In 120 regular-season games (27 starts) with New Orleans across two seasons, he averaged 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest.

Daniels and Hawks forward Larry Nance Jr. were traded last offseason from New Orleans to Atlanta as part of a deal that sent All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans.

However, Murray remains sidelined with a broken hand he sustained during New Orleans’ season opener.

Hawks forward Larry Nance Jr. also showboated near the Pelicans’ bench after dunking, hitting a corner 3-pointer

Nance chuckled when asked if he thought the Pelicans, who called for Daniels to be assessed a technical foul, were just joking as well. “You know what? No comment,” Nance said. “I’m going to steer clear of that one.”

In addition to Daniels showing off, Nance also went back and forth taunting the Pelicans bench. During the third quarter, he stared them down at one point after a dunk and then blew them a kiss after a corner 3.

Nance said that as he went into his shooting motion from behind the 3-point arc, Pelicans players were yelling, “Hell, no!” The officials did not seem to notice.

“One, we’re all competitors. And, two, we’re friends,” Nance said. “You’re able to say some things to each other just because we know it’s all love. Everybody in that locker room I have nothing but love and admiration for. Tonight was a lot of fun. I’m glad we won.”

Dyson Daniels was disappointed in New Orleans’ decision to trade him

Daniels finished his outing with 16 points on 7-of-10 (70%) shooting from the field and two 3-pointers. The Australian hooper was making his return from a two-game absence because of a right hip strain.

“Even if I wasn’t 100%, I was going to make sure I’d be back for this game,” Daniels said about his health status, noting that it was a difficult time for him when he first learned the Pelicans were trading him.

“It was unexpected. I came into the league here and this was home for me,” Daniels said. “They drafted me. They believed in me. Everyone was great to me. But this is a business; these things happen. So, you’ve got to move on from it. I’m happy to be in Atlanta. I’m enjoying my opportunity there.”

The Hawks host the Boston Celtics on Monday night, while the Pelicans take on the Portland Trail Blazers.