2018 NBA Draft: OKC Thunder finish event with surprise trade for Hamidou Diallo
By Rylan Stiles
The Oklahoma City Thunder left the NBA Draft with a few new toys.
In the NBA Draft it is a game of haves and the have nots. The Oklahoma City Thunder this year played the role of the have nots. However, that did not stop OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti from making a splash before the clock struck midnight.
After the dust settled from an exciting NBA Draft, the real fun began. The Oklahoma City Thunder made a trade minutes after the draft concluded when they acquired the rights to the 46th selection. That player is Kentucky wing, Hamidou Diallo.
To add to the post-draft fun, during the event, the OKC Thunder used their pair of picks to select Devon Hall (53rd) and Kevin Harvey (57th).
How the trio will fit OKC Thunder:
Hamidou Diallo, shooting guard Kentucky:
While he was not technically drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hamidou Diallo will be the biggest splash of this years selections for the organization.
The trade can not be official until July 6th, and what the OKC Thunder will give up is unknown. One could project it will be a second round pick or two.
His athleticism is crazy which aids his tremendous defensive efforts.
Devon Hall, Point Guard Virginia:
Devon Hall is a great threat from distance on offense. He provides great three point shooting something the OKC Thunder desperately need. Hall also finds open teammates and sets them up for success.
Devon Hall is a veteran, already being 22-years-old does not leave much room for growth. At this point, the prospect is he what he is.
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/21/2018.
Kevin Harvey, Small Forward Texas Arlington:
Kevin Hervey was selected with the 57th pick, and he is certainly a project. However, the senior from UT Arlington has developed enough to be ready for the NBA level as soon as this season.
He does come with his fair share of concerns. Not only the level of talent he faced, possibly making him look better than he is but the fact that he tore both ACL’s. Two devastating injuries that can linger throughout an entire career.
| Season | School | G | MP | FG% | 2P% | 3P% | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PTS | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | Texas-Arlington | 31 | 21.7 | .368 | .490 | .259 | .714 | 6.0 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 7.1 | |
| 2015-16 | Texas-Arlington | 16 | 29.8 | .453 | .545 | .323 | .757 | 9.8 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 2.4 | 18.1 | |
| 2016-17 | Texas-Arlington | 35 | 27.8 | .459 | .549 | .343 | .753 | 8.5 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 17.1 | Sun Belt POY |
| 2017-18 | Texas-Arlington | 33 | 32.2 | .446 | .522 | .339 | .807 | 8.5 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 2.7 | 20.5 | |
| Career | Texas-Arlington | 115 | 27.7 | .440 | .530 | .324 | .768 | 8.0 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 2.1 | 15.5 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/22/2018.
If any of the trio develop to provide serviceable consistent minutes next season Presti’s selections will be viewed a success. For years players selected this late in the draft were long shots or draft and stash options.
In this scenario each of the players offers something that could help the roster. For the remainder of the offseason they’ll be tasked with improving specific areas of their game so they can eventually become regular contributors.
Next: Top 15 NBA Draft picks in OKC Thunder franchise history
Presumably, Thunder fans will see all three in Vegas and will be able to witness which assets are transferable to the pros.