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2016 NBA Draft: Prospects New York Knicks Have Met With

ByMaxwell Ogden|
Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2016 NCAA Men
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Apr 17, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; East Team MVP forward Cheick Diallo (13) poses for a photo with New York Knicks forward Carmello Anthony at the conclusion of the game against the West Team during the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center. The West defeated the East 118-116. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; East Team MVP forward Cheick Diallo (13) poses for a photo with New York Knicks forward Carmello Anthony at the conclusion of the game against the West Team during the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center. The West defeated the East 118-116. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Cheick Diallo, Kansas Jayhawks

Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (9/13/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9″, 219 pounds, 7’4.5″
Slash Line: .569/.000/.556
Season Averages: 7.5 MPG, 3.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.6 ORPG, 0.9 BPG

There aren’t many players more physically impressive in the 2016 NBA Draft than Cheick Diallo. Standing at 6’9″ with a near 7’5″ wingspan, Diallo is an excellent athlete who runs the floor well, plays above the rim, and blocks shots with relative ease.

According to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv, Diallo met with the New York Knicks on Friday, May 13.

Diallo is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.

Coming out of high school, Diallo was regarded as one of the Top 10 prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft. Ineligibility issues kept him sidelined, however, and once he returned, it seemed as though the damage had already been done.

While his season averages may underwhelm, it’s worth noting that they translate to per 40 minutes marks of 16.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks.

Even in his limited action, Diallo excelled as a rebounder and shot-blocker whose athleticism permitted him to disrupt the pick-and-roll. With Kristaps Porzingis projected as a long-term center, acquiring Diallo as a project would be a wise move.

There’s no guaranteeing he’ll work out, but if New York has to trade into the 2016 NBA Draft, it might as well swing for the fences.

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