Charlotte Hornets: 2018 NBA Draft grades

No. 45: Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky (via Brooklyn Nets, to Oklahoma City Thunder)

In the later half of the second round, most draft picks become fliers or projects. Every once in a while you can find a diamond in the rough, but that’s not always the case.

With the 45th pick of the draft, the Hornets got a player ripe with potential in Hamidou Diallo. The young guard will be interesting to watch as he has a bunch of athletic ability but is very raw at the same time. He arrived in Kentucky at an early age, playing just one season for the Wildcats.

In his time with the Wildcats, he scored 10 points and grabbed 3.6 assists per game. He has some tools to possibly become a defensive force, but needs the right atmosphere and coaching to really tap into those talents.

This pick is still technically the Nets’ pick, and the Dwight Howard trade won’t be officially until July 6. This pick was a piece of that deal, but Diallo will already be on his third team without having a chance to go anywhere yet. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Oklahoma City Thunder will land the guard after July 6. What the Hornets may receive has not been decided yet, but passing on Diallo’s potential feels like a mistake.

Grade: D