Hamidou Diallo withdrew from the 2017 NBA Draft to return to Kentucky with the objective of improving his game and seeding. The opposite happened.
It’s funny the difference one year can make. In some cases players who weren’t even on anyone’s radar last year are suddenly in the conversation to be a lottery pick at this year’s NBA Draft. In the case of Hamidou Diallo the opposite is true.
Last season Diallo initially considered the draft prior to withdrawing to return to Kentucky. Although he hadn’t played with the Wildcats there was enough buzz over the youngster’s potential and athleticism to warrant a first round selection. Flash forward one season and all of the shooting guards flaws have been exposed.
Knowing this Diallo arrived at the NBA Draft Combine with an opportunity to raise his profile. Instead, prospects like Donte DiVincenzo, who wasn’t considered in the same realm as Diallo athletically surpassed him in virtually every skill. Suffice to say, Diallo enters the 2018 NBA Draft with more questions than answers.
Although there will always be room for defensive specialists, unless there is a belief the prospect can add at least one offensive skill it is tough to reconcile conceding a roster spot.
Player specifics:
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Wingspan: 6’11.5″
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Age: 19.10
- College: Kentucky, Freshman
- Home town: Queens, New York City
Statline:
| Season | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 37 | 24.8 | 3.6 | 8.5 | .428 | 0.7 | 2.1 | .338 | 2.1 | 3.4 | .616 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 10.0 |
| Career | 37 | 24.8 | 3.6 | 8.5 | .428 | 0.7 | 2.1 | .338 | 2.1 | 3.4 | .616 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 10.0 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/15/2018.
Skills:
Most of Hamidou Diallo’s pluses come with an asterisk because of his offensive issues. The potential is there if he dedicates himself to grow his overall game.
Isolating on what he does well is all tied to his defensive ability and his overall athleticism.
Diallo suits an up tempo game where he can excel with his speed in the open court. He is able to draw fouls via his aggression, but needs to improve his free throw percentage to take full advantage of this skill.
Improvements to his defensive game were witnessed over the course of his season in Kentucky. This isn’t that surprising given his wing span and commitment on that side of the hardwood.
Like many in this draft Diallo is a player who falls in the risk-reward category. His physical attributes are unquestionable, but whether he can address the many issues in his offensive game remain to be seen.
Weaknesses:
The irony is if Diallo hadn’t returned to school he would likely have been a first round pick in last season’s draft. Remember that insanely deep draft? One year later and all the quirks and flaws in his game were exposed via the microscope which follows Kentucky.
His shot needs some major tweaks and he’ll require ample time with the development coaches wherever he lands. This isn’t isolated to consistency, but his actual mechanics. Diallo’s release point is a major issue. For example, the video above highlights his propensity to pull the ball down prior to shooting.
Moreover, he fails to deliver at the free throw line which historically points to issues from the field and the ability to stretch shots further out to the perimeter. Because of this its unreasonable to project him as a potential 3-and-D player.
Furthermore, his ability to work in the paint is also suspect (although he draws ample fouls) simply because if he isn’t dunking he has trouble getting buckets.
Nor has Diallo been able to extend other aspects of his offensive game to include any prowess in ball handling or distributing.
For as much as he’s demonstrated an ability to be a plus defender he hasn’t been able to translate his athleticism into any offensive benefits. This begs questions about his basketball I.Q. and whether he’ll be able to grow in this area.
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.