Not risk averse at all, just aware of value. I'm happy to take value plays - I was in favour of drafting Pokusevski, for example, and Jax, both of whom were big ''tools, flashes, measurements, lets see if they hit the ceiling'' plays. Hell, I'm even all-in on Griffin this year and for most people that's considered a risk as well.
But if you don't believe Dieng's ceiling is super high (note; I don't think it is, and I think for him to even reach that ceiling on this team would require being a worse team as it would entail taking Zion and Ingram off-ball a lot) then it's not risk aversion, it's just betting on value.
I'd be fine with Daniels at 8. I have preferences (Griffin, Duren) but I'd be fine with him. I just don't think Dieng at 8 is the best option there in terms of swinging for the home run.