3 high-risk, high-reward players Knicks could draft at No. 11
By Adam Kester
3. Ousmane Dieng
The Knicks have a complicated history with French draft picks. This year there’s a French prospect by the name of Ousmane Dieng who could very well be one of the top players on the board when they’re on the clock at 11. His size, mobility, and overall massive potential could be enough for New York to take a shot on him.
Dieng was recruited by a ton of top college programs as well as the G League Unite team but wound up playing basketball in New Zealand this past season. The recently turned 19-year-old had a rough start to his year before turning it on towards the end of the season — an upward trend that many think could continue into the NBA.
A lanky but athletic 6’10, Dieng possesses the rare combo of versatility for someone his size that will remind many of a raw version of some of the league’s slim reapers like Kevin Durant and Brandon Ingram. He’s shown plenty of playmaking chops as well.
Ousmane Dieng has looked like a potential lotto pick lately w/his shooting & positional size, but it’s his feel as a passer in the P&R that really makes your eyes pop. The patience, ability to read the whole floor, and make live dribble hits is impressive pic.twitter.com/aIs6Acc5ou
— NBA Draft Dude 🤙 (@CoreyTulaba) April 10, 2022
He is absolutely an “eye-test” player because it hasn’t translated into efficient stats yet whatsoever. His shooting form looks smooth, but he shot just 27.1% from three last season. His overall awareness is sometimes lacking in key areas, such as on the defensive end of the floor. It’s these kinds of question marks that make you nervous and ask yourself, “How much do we really know about this Frenchman who spent last season playing in New Zealand?”
His ball handling is terrific for his size. You think with some NBA coaching and conditioning, there could be something really special in Dieng. Is he worth the gamble with the 11th pick? That’s for the Knicks to figure out.