Hamidou Diallo Vegas highlights – analyzing growth and skills inside the film room
With the next era of the OKC Thunder upon the franchise, the youngsters have a real opportunity to seize a greater role in the roster.
Following the 2019 Summer League tournament fans got an opportunity to witness first hand which players have the greatest chance to succeed. Furthermore, it showcased to what degree existing OKC Thunder assets have already grown and showcased some new faces we’ll see more of this season.
Hamidou Diallo:
In his rookie season, Hami launched out of the gates getting consistent minutes with the reserve unit and won the All-Star Slam Dunk title. Between an injury, hitting the rookie wall and Billy Donovan‘s penchant for not youngsters his minutes petered off in the second half where he spent more time with the OKC Blue the Thunder G-League affiliate.
As for his Summer League, in four appearances Diallo produced a stat line of 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.5 steals in 27.6 minutes. There were palpable changes in a positive direction for the wingman but his shooting efficiency remains an issue as he shot an anemic 15.4 percent from the perimeter and 47.4 percent from the line.
Vegas highlights:
Below T.I dives into the film room to serve up the Diallo’s Vegas highlight package:
Facing the Jazz in Game 1, Diallo jumps on a broken play leading to a turnover. Hami streaks up court offering himself for a wide open pass leading to an easy lay-in dunk.
Also from Game 1, despite the game being out of reach this play by Diallo showcases his growth. Diallo curls around the screen drawing virtually every single defender to him and still manages to get up the flip shot layup.
The following clip from Game 2 serves up the full repertoire of the wing as he blocks the shot, gets the rebound streaks down court offering up a driving target as he catches the shovel pass from Jawun Evans while in motion and finishes with an emphatic dunk.
Facing the 76ers in Game 2 Diallo hits a 3-pointer to put the OKC Thunder up 55 – 28. Equally impressive is the whip assist from Deonte Burton who reads the defense to find Diallo wide open in the corner.
Trailing Team Croatia in Game 3 Diallo showcases some adeptness in ball handling, shaking his defenders and going in for a flip shot to pull OKC back within two points again (36-34).
Also from Game 3 versus Croatia, Diallo makes an acrobatic play driving to the rim for the basket that pulls the OKC Thunder within a point (55-54).
The sheer speed of Diallo is undeniable as he shakes his defender easily and charges past a crew of others to reach the rim for an easy lay in
In one of the most impressive plays by Diallo in Vegas, he showcases several of his skills. It was Game 3 as Diallo first got the steal then flew down court splitting the defender into a two on one situation leading to Kevin Hervey being able to drop off an easy assist for Hami to flush into the basket easily.
Facing Portland in Game 4 Hamidou again utilizes his blazing speed as he receives the inbound pass, races quickly down court and since he draws so many defenders to him is easily able to pass off the ball dropping a dime to Kevin Hervey for the easy 2-point bucket.
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As far as the remainder of Hamidou Diallo’s offseason it’s important he continues to work on his ballhandling, passing skills, and fundamental skills.
Yet, the area where Diallo can make strides within the roster and gain more playing time will be via his shooting efficiency.
It’s one thing for Hami to have issues from the perimeter but failing to hit 50 percent of his free throws cannot be something he carries forward into the season.
Not to beat a dead horse, but when will Billy Donovan and Sam Presti recognize the absolute need to add a shooting coach to their staff?
Vegas Observations: Which Thunder players stood out in Summer League. dark. Next
Surely, after repeated seasons of failing to measure up from both the free throw stripe and perimeter, this would be a worthwhile investment for the Thunder.