2017 NBA Draft: 3 options for Los Angeles Lakers at No. 28 overall
Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky
Before we dive too deeply into this one, there’s something you need to know about Hamidou Diallo.
Following in the footsteps of Thon Maker, the electric shooting guard prospect avoided the typical one-and-done approach for top prospects. Instead, he enrolled at Kentucky in January but never actually played for the Wildcats–Diallo just practiced with the team during their tournament run.
More from Los Angeles Lakers
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
- A surprise LeBron ranking should raise alarm bells for the Lakers
- Surprising Austin Reaves contract detail confirms Lakers got him for a steal
- Instant Grades for the Lakers’ unprecedented Anthony Davis extension
- Report: Lakers have big plans for recent top-10 pick amid roster shakeup
That essentially makes him a none-and-done player, taking an unorthodox approach to the NBA’s rule on players needing to be a year removed from high school. And despite not playing in a game in months, it appears he could hear his name called in the first round.
Why? Because Diallo is an absurd athlete who recently lit up the 2017 NBA Combine. He’s got ridiculous hops, is extremely quick and shows rare explosiveness. Combine that with his intriguing skill set and 19 years of age, and you’ve got a project who could develop into one of the NBA’s most exciting 2-guards.
After trading away Williams this offseason, the Lakers are looking rather thin at guard. They’ve obviously got D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, but could use more weapons off the bench. Theoretically, Diallo could come in and learn behind those two with the potential to take over as a starter not far down the road.
This would be a risky move, but the potential gains of drafting Diallo would make it a worthwhile gamble.
Note: Diallo hasn’t officially declared for the draft. He has until March 24 to sign with an agent, or return to the college ranks.