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2018 NBA Draft: 3 options for Los Angeles Lakers with Cleveland Cavaliers’ pick

By Gil Alcaraz IV

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 10: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates in the game against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on November 10, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 73-63 (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 10: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates in the game against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on November 10, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 73-63 (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky

Coming into the season, it seemed safe to assume Hamidou Diallo would be in the top-15 conversation by now. That hasn’t been the case. He’s been struggling to get his act together, to the point where his starting role has been routinely questioned in the media.

Despite that, there’s simply too much natural talent and athleticism to ignore. The former five-star recruit is an elite athlete who can jump out of the gym, leave you in his dust on the fast break, and change directions on a dime. Diallo is even a plus defender. Oh, and he’s a ridiculous dunker.

Here’s the problem with Diallo: He’s wildly inconsistent and undisciplined. While some of that may be a result of general inexperience and youth, it means he’s got a lot of growing to do before he’s ready to shine at the next level. Diallo needs a lot of work in all aspects of his shooting, his passing is subpar and he relies too heavily on his athleticism to win — which isn’t always the result. With some maturation and NBA coaching, though, the sky is the limit.

Despite his current limitations, Diallo is a talent that simply can’t be ignored. If he’s still on the board when the Lakers pick near the end of the first round, he should be a serious consideration. Los Angeles needs more high-upside talent on the bench, and Diallo seems like a perfect match.

As long as he doesn’t tank the rest of his freshman season, expect Diallo to be on the Lakers’ radar come June.

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