Brooklyn Nets: 5 options for pick No. 29 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Alec Liebsch
2. Hamidou Diallo, SG/SF — Kentucky
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 197 lbs
- Age: 19 (Freshman)
Diallo is unrefined, but exciting nonetheless. His above-the-rim athleticism was fun to watch at Kentucky, as he coasted for easy slams in transition.
His box score stats of 10.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game won’t leap off the page, nor will his 42.8 percent clip from the field or his 33.8 percent efficiency from downtown. However, as is the case with most prospects, Diallo’s numbers don’t tell the whole story.
With his height and a 6’11” wingspan, Diallo has the tools and frame to be a monster 3-and-D wing. His exceptional speed will translate well to the pace-and-space nature of the NBA, especially in Kenny Atkinson’s system.
Diallo is extremely raw. He hasn’t shown much in the way of basketball IQ, his sub-200-pound frame might make him vulnerable on defensive switches, and his shot is wildly inconsistent. He can get to the rack at will, but defenses can pack the paint on him if he’s broke from outside of eight feet.
Basketball IQ is usually something that can be molded with time and proper developmental help, which the Nets have plenty of. But above all, the translation of his shot will be the biggest factor in determining how long he will take to develop (or if he will at all).
Diallo is a gem of pure basketball talent just waiting to be chiseled. The Nets have been interested in him for quite some time now, so maybe it’s just a matter of whether they think he will be there at No. 40 or 45. If they don’t, he is a highly probable option at 29.