2018 NBA Draft big board: End of January

28. Hamidou Diallo – Kentucky

I really want to like Hamidou Diallo. He’s probably the best athlete in the world for his age who can blow you away with plays that almost no one else can fathom. However, he’s not even close to a safe 3-and-D prospect. Diallo is hitting just 33 percent of his 3s and less than 61 percent of his foul shots. That is partially why Diallo falls from No. 21 to No. 28 here.

Athleticism can help a lot in developing a defensive player, but Diallo just looks lost on that end. It’s fair to question his feel for the game. Athletically speaking, physical gifts are no guarantee a player will be a good defender. Just look at Terrence Ross. Though he flashes the odd moment of self-creation that is enticing, he’s too much of a project right now to consider anywhere close to the front half of the draft.