New York Knicks: Top 16 2018 NBA Draft prospects in the Sweet 16

10 of 17

BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats dunks the ball during the second half against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Projection: Late First Round
Age: 19 (7/31/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 198 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .430/.342/.616
Season Averages: 25.1 MPG, 10.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 3PM

I’m higher on Hamidou Diallo than some, but his Round of 32 performance was confirmation—not a meaningless flash of brilliance. Diallo is incredibly thin, but that’s a correctable issue that shouldn’t take away from his long-term potential.

Diallo has all of the tools to break out as the shooting guard from this draft class, and a patient and diligent coaching staff could help this explosive athlete realize his potential.

Diallo had his playing time cut into in January, but he returned with a vengeance during the Round of 32. He took over what was a close game at halftime, recording 22 points, eight rebound, one assist, two blocks, and one steal.

More importantly: Diallo scored 18 points during the second half and 15 points during the final 13 minutes and 42 seconds of the second half alone.

Beyond the numbers, Diallo has a unique combination of elite athleticism and prototypical size and length for a shooting guard. He also has a quality outside shot, a respectable midrange game, and the eye-popping finishing ability to score inside.

There may be players who are more established or polished, but if the New York Knicks are willing to gamble on upside, no shooting guard has more of it than Diallo.

Home/Knicks Draft