Thunderous Intentions
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NBA Draft: Hamidou Diallo rolled the dice and lost

By Tamberlyn Richardson

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after dunking against the Buffalo Bulls during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after dunking against the Buffalo Bulls during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft Hamidou Diallo
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Hamidou Diallo poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Awards and honors:

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.

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