Pelicans announcer Antonio Daniels erupts after ‘dangerous’ play

There’s being irate and there’s been whatever Antonio Daniels was when Gary Harris inadvertently dove at Zion Williamson’s legs in a 117-108 loss for the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

Daniels took exception to Harris diving at Williamson’s knee, which is more concerning when you consider the Pelicans forward’s injury history. Even if a slip caused the contact, Daniels, who has shown frustration with plays endangering Williamson before, wasn’t buying it.

Willie pissed they didnt initially take a look at Gary Harris diving at Zions legs pic.twitter.com/lOee5ELhE3

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) April 4, 2024

“That is dangerous, man,” Daniels exclaimed. That’s dangerous right there. I know Garry Harris is not that type of player, but that’s…man, listen…”

When play-by-play voice Joel Meyers mentioned that Harris went for the steal, fell, and lost his balance, Daniels took issue with his excusing his actions.

“Yeah, but you dove at his knee,” said Daniels. “So, you’re not even really going for the steal. Look where Willie’s out on the floor, by the way. Look where Willie’s out on the floor. How do you not take a look at this? How do you not? Because he’s not hit in the face. If he got in his face, you would definitely look at it. This is a Flagrant 1. This is just as bad as a bad closeout to me, Joel. This is just as bad as (landing on someone’s foot). It’s just as bad as a poor closeout.”

Harris was assessed a common foul.

“That’s a Flagrant 1,” Daniels added.

Harris’s aggressive play for the steal was close to the line. It’s tough to judge intent in these situations, and while Daniels defends Harris’s character, any reckless play is risky, especially against someone with Zion Williamson’s injury history.

Some might see it as a simple slip, but even with the ball in mind, Harris ended up near Williamson’s knees. And it could’ve ended up a whole hell of a lot worse for both players.

[Pelicans Film Room on Twitter/X]