NY Knicks free agent target No. 2) Hamidou Diallo
Though the NY Knicks just attained their first playoff berth since 2012-13 and have indeed had themselves a solid offseason thus far, they are still likely a few years away from legitimate championship contention.
Because of this, while they should obviously still be looking to build off of their impressive run from this past season, development should still be a large focus for this coaching staff and, though they already have a few promising youngsters in Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin already onboard, it can’t hurt them if they were to consider bringing on perhaps one or two more youthful talents to add to their collection.
Should they look to do so, we believe third-year wing, Hamidou Diallo, could be worth the front office’s consideration.
A second-round pick back in 2018, the 23-year-old has steadily improved in every year he’s been in the association, with this past season being somewhat of a breakout for him.
Playing for both the OKC Thunder and Detroit Pistons throughout 2020-21, Diallo posted averages of 11.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting nearly 48 percent from the field and 34 percent from deep in 23.6 minutes a night.
Already known as a solid defensive player with impressive athleticism (won 2019’s Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend), this season the former Kentucky Wildcat showcased some sound improvements in his long-range game as well, especially during his final 20-game run in Motor City where he shot at a 39 percent clip from deep on 2.1 attempts per game.
As a flier in free agency, should New York’s staff develop his right, in time he could prove to be a legitimate threat on both ends of the court.