Phoenix Suns: 3 positives from the Cheick Diallo signing
By Adam Noel
Strong defense
The strength of Cheick Diallo’s game so far in the NBA has come on the defensive side of the ball.
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Looking back on last season, Diallo racked up 33 blocks and 29 steals in 64 games with the Pelicans. That is a testament to his 7’4½” wingspan that helps Diallo suffocate shooters attacking the paint.
He was one of the top defenders last season for the Pelicans racking up a 3.0 block percentage and consistently showing his worth on that end of the court.
That will be a big spot for the Phoenix Suns, who have struggled season after season on defense in the paint.
Diallo will be a strong defender off the bench for the group and has a motor to run up and down the court. He has shown in three years, an ability to make an impact on defense even in limited playing time.
Another benefit Diallo brings is his ability to switch on defense and guard bigger or smaller players.
This will be huge for Phoenix, as the NBA has evolved into pick-and-roll orientated offenses, requiring defenders to be versatile.
And in comparison to the bigs the Suns currently have, Diallo immediately becomes one of the team’s top rim protectors.
Should he continue that, he could find himself moving up the depth chart based on his defense.