Ranking 5 free agent targets with ties to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
By John Canady
4. Hamidou Diallo
In 2017-18, Hamidou Diallo played college ball for Kentucky alongside Gilgeous-Alexander. Not only did Diallo play alongside the Thunder star in college, but the athletic guard also spent a season and a half (2019–2021) in OKC with his former backcourt teammate.
Diallo had his best season with the Thunder, but since his departure, he’s proven to be a solid role player off the bench for the Pistons. The 24-year-old averaged 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists this past year in Detroit. Despite the guard’s poor shooting from 3-point range, Diallo still managed to shoot 57.3% from the floor on the season. Diallo’s ability as a slashing guard and second-nature approach to playing off the ball would make him the perfect addition alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. Adding another cutting threat to an already dangerous offense could be an underrated pick-up for Oklahoma City.
The 6-foot-5, explosive playmaker could provide depth off the bench next season not to mention the SEC product’s versatility, which could allow the Thunder to put a variety of different lineups on the floor. If the Thunder had any interest in bringing back Diallo, not only would his ties with his former teammate be appealing, but perhaps with the organization as well.