OKC Thunder: Palpable growth lands Hamidou Diallo on top 10 list

Continual offseason growth of Hamidou Diallo

Another salient takeaway is the growth Diallo is making in every aspect of his game. Last week when the team was shorthanded he recorded a career-high 10 assists in the game versus the Wolves and on Monday he matched his rebounding career-high with 11 versus the Lakers.

Diallo is in the last year of his rookie contract earning a highly economical $1,663,861. At season end, there will be decisions to be made regarding his future and his worth to OKC.

At 22 he’s shown a propensity to work hard every offseason and add components to his game.

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The Kentucky alum reminds me of DeMar DeRozan who works hard every offseason and the new tool he would bring to the table each season was always noticeable. Even in his 30’s DeRozan is improving in San Antonio upping his assists and 3-point shooting.

On the latter stat, DeRozan is shooting 34.9 percent from the perimeter this season on 2.0 attempts per game.

For a career 28.5 percent 3-point shooter that’s a big jump. And, this isn’t a throwaway stat as the Spurs guard has already taken (43) and made (15) more 3-pointers than all of last season.

If that’s the standard the Thunder can expect or hope for from the Queens New York native it bodes well for the franchise.

Ultimately, Diallo has taken a big step this season not just in terms of stats but also his improved consistency and leadership.

He’s embraced and is owning his role.  As Thunder Nation keeps a close eye on his development it sure seems like he’s destined to end up on that list of OKC Thunder untouchables. It says here — he’s earned the right to be there.