Soaring Down South
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Is Cheick Diallo The Man For The Hawks?

By Collin Huguley

Feb 20, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cheick Diallo (13) blocks the shot of Kansas State Wildcats guard Justin Edwards (14) during first half at Fred Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cheick Diallo (13) blocks the shot of Kansas State Wildcats guard Justin Edwards (14) during first half at Fred Bramlage Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sitting at the 21st overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks have needs and multiple options at that draft slot. There are some prospects in that range that are raw, but have very high upside. 19-year-old, Cheick Diallo provides both great upside and fills a need for rebounding for the Hawks.

Kansas freshman, Cheick Diallo was one of the most hyped recruits in the nation coming into this past college basketball season. He possessed great athleticism, length, and potential as he entered one of the nation’s most prestigious programs. But unfortunately, the season didn’t quite go as planned and Diallo’s raw skills left him with a very limited role with the Jayhawks, as he played on 7.5 minutes per game as a freshman. But regardless of the struggles and small sample size, Diallo received coaching from one of the best in the business in Bill Self and that must count for something. Even in Diallo’s limited minutes, he flashed some of the skills that made scouts drool over his potential.

Strengths

  • Athleticism
  • Defense
  • Rebounding

Diallo’s strengths are directly associated with his length and leaping ability. Gifted with a 7-4 wingspan, Diallo has shown great ability to rebound and defend on the inside. Diallo averaged a very good 12.1 rebounds per 36 minutes in his one season at Kansas, and rebounding is the Hawks’ biggest weakness as a team. Diallo’s length and athleticism also allowed him to play good defense on the interior, as he was a very good paint protector in college. While Diallo performed well at the defensive end and on the glass, his offensive game flashed as well. He has shown a good feel around the basket and even the potential to have a decent mid-range jumper. With some additional polish, Diallo could become a solid post presence offensively. Diallo really helped himself at the NBA Draft combine, where his athleticism and potential was very apparent. Pairing his tremendous upside with high character and motor, Diallo could become a very good NBA player.

Weaknesses

Feb 6, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cheick Diallo (13) shoots past TCU Horned Frogs forward Vladimir Brodziansky (10) during the second half at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward Cheick Diallo (13) shoots past TCU Horned Frogs forward Vladimir Brodziansky (10) during the second half at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Very raw offensive game
  • Small sample size
  • Thin, needs to add weight

The questions about Diallo are not about if the pure talent is there; it boils down to whether or not it will develop. Many are very worried about the lack of playing time that Diallo received, making him a very big mystery in this draft. As of right now, Diallo’s offensive range is dunks and layups. His offensive game is very underdeveloped and practically just cleanup material under the basket.  Also at only 220 pounds, Diallo is very thin for an NBA power forward. He needs to add about 15 pounds or he will be pushed around on the low block at the next level. Many big men come into the league with tools, and so many have been unable to develop them. That bust potential is what scares people away from Diallo.

Fit With Atlanta

Diallo’s profile strongly resembles that of Toronto playoff hero, Bismack Biyombo (who is about to get PAID in free agency). A long, bouncy big man who can eat the glass and protect the rim. Biyombo was very effective as a backup center throughout the season for the Raptors and took advantage of his opportunity in the spotlight when he was thrust in the starting lineup in the playoffs. Biyombo was about as raw as Diallo is when he was entering the draft, and took several years to develop. With Paul Millsap, Al Horford (assuming he re-signs), Mike Scott, and Tiago Splitter, Diallo will not be forced to play big minutes right away. He can be eased into his role, and learn from some pretty darn good big men that can help develop his offensive game. Since rebounding translates well, Diallo could find minutes off of the bench early on to help that weak area of the Hawks’ team. He could also hold his own on the defensive end as a shot blocker. Diallo’s athleticism and length also plays well into the small-ball revolution in the NBA, where he could be a terror as a small-ball center blocking shots and dominating the glass. Overall, Diallo is a raw prospect but could still fit well in the league today. In Atlanta, he would have great veterans and a great developmental coaching staff around him to help him reach his high ceiling. Even if the offense doesn’t develop, he could still be a Biyombo-type player. That sounds like the type of big that could give the Hawks even more depth and lineup versatility, while allowing them to make great strides and address team weaknesses.