Pelicans' Daniels out indefinitely with meniscus tear

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels is out indefinitely due to a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, the team announced Monday.

It's unclear when Daniels sustained the injury, but he was ruled out for last Saturday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers with left knee soreness.

Daniels has emerged as a key rotational piece in his second NBA season, averaging 5.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over 52 appearances. He trails only Matisse Thybulle in steal percentage (3.1%) and ranks sixth in defensive box plus-minus (2.6).

New Orleans selected Daniels with the eighth pick in 2022. He was previously a member of the G League Ignite.

Rookie guard Jordan Hawkins could see more minutes during Daniels' absence. The UConn product has shown flashes of potential early on, averaging 9.6 points and shooting 38.1% from deep. He's registered five 20-point games, including a career-high 34-point outing in January versus the Dallas Mavericks.

The Pelicans are sixth in the West with a 31-22 record.