Awards and honors:
- Played on two Team USA Teams:
- 2016 Gold medal team in Chile
- 2017 Bronze medal team in Egypt
- 2017-18 Wooden Award – Preseason
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Pro comparison:
Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer opines Diallo shows hints of Tony Allen, Fred Jones and P.J. Hairston. Of those the only player who translated his skills into a long career is Allen. Again this speaks to the belief Diallo’s offense isn’t going to be easily remedied.
On the upside the youngster has demonstrated the ability to improve based on his ascent defensively and offense is easier to teach/fix.
More from Thunderous Intentions
Current ranking:
ESPN/DraftExpress: 37th
The Ringer: 40th
Draft Net: 47th
CBS Sports: 36th
Sports Illustrated: 39th
Basketball Insider: 46th
Sporting News: 60th
Fit with OKC Thunder:
While the Thunder might be in position to draft Hamidou Diallo adding a shooting guard with potential isn’t a priority. Especially one who hasn’t shown a propensity for offensive acumen. OKC’s focus will be to re-sign Paul George. Beyond PG there are several wing options the Thunder have who are way ahead of Diallo.
Even in the worst case scenario (with PG exiting) adding a player like Diallo makes no sense. OKC already has arguably the NBA’s best defensive wing in Andre Roberson. Why would the franchise want to add another ‘potential’ player with the hope he rises to ARob’s standards and develops offensively?
Next: Anfernee Simons – the wild card
Granted, most players at the end of the draft are projects. But OKC need to add depth up front, so if they are going to take a swing they should do it via selecting a big man.