Age: 19 (7/31/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 198 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .428/.338/.616
Season Averages: 24.8 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 3PM
Hamidou Diallo is a polarizing prospect, but raw talent and athleticism are traits that can’t be taught. Diallo can jump out of the gym, has explosive speed in the open court, and managed to ride his natural ability to a respectable freshman season.
Diallo will be a project for whichever team selects him at the 2018 NBA Draft, but the Los Angeles Lakers shouldn’t shy away from the opportunity to be that franchise.
Diallo has a massive 7’0″ wingspan and a 44.5″ max vertical leap, which is all you need to know about why scouts are intrigued. It’s about more than physical tools, but you’d be hard-pressed to find another shooting guard who can match those measurements.
Those who do tend to find some measure of success in the NBA, especially when they end up with organizations that are structured as well as the Lakers.
Diallo had his ups and downs as a freshman at Kentucky, but he flashed the potential of the player he could become. He’s an overwhelming defender when he’s locked in, has mechanically solid shooting form, and can already attack closeouts with effectiveness.
The Lakers can afford to take a chance on upside at No. 25 overall, and one could easily make the case that no shooting guard has more of it in 2018 than Diallo.
Knicks Note: Tim Hardaway Jr. could be the shooting guard of the future, but Hamidou Diallo has the potential to be an even better player if the New York Knicks manage to draft him.