Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

3. Hamidou Diallo emerges as ROY candidate

Yes, Hamidou Diallo was a second round pick back in April. Before deciding to return to Kentucky ahead of the 2017 NBA Draft, the uber-athletic guard was seen as a potential first-round pick with game-changing hops and a dynamic transition game.

You better believe the Thunder will find a way to get him involved this season. They fed Terrance Ferguson minutes a season ago, and should do the same for Diallo after getting a taste of what he can do during training camp and the preseason. When that happens, they’ll have no choice but to award him with a significant role.

So what can we expect from the potential top steal of the 2018 draft class?

Well, the shooting won’t be amazing. That was his big bugaboo with the Wildcats, and a big part of why he slid on draft day. Chances are we see some improvement, but it still won’t be where the Thunder want it to be. That won’t keep him from emerging as a candidate for 2018-19 Rookie of the Year, though.

The effectiveness in the open court, underrated defensive skills and ability to play above the rim will get the job done. Diallo will emerge as a spark plug off the bench who can create offense in an instant. On top of that, strong defensive play and surprising rebounding numbers help Diallo make a case. He won’t win, but even garnering consideration would be a huge victory.