Soaring Down South
Fansided

Four Possible NBA Draft Steals for the Atlanta Hawks

By Chris Guest

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the game against the Wofford Terriers on November 22, 2017 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Wofford 79-56. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the game against the Wofford Terriers on November 22, 2017 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Wofford 79-56. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats dunks the ball
BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats dunks the ball /

Hamidou Diallo

Perhaps the most disappointing player in this draft class, astonishing athleticism is the main claim to fame for this Kentucky freshman. After a dispiriting season at UK, Hamidou Diallo’s stock plummeted from a possible mid-to-low lottery selection all the way out of the first round.

Diallo showed little feel on either end of the court in his lone college season, something that has seemingly scared off talent evaluators. Despite outlandish physical gifts (and a bonkers 44” inch vertical), Diallo rarely put those talents on display in any meaningful way during his first college season.

With all that in mind, such a tantalizing physical skill set is certain to at least get a shot in the NBA, and the Hawks might be able to pull of the biggest bamboozle in franchise history if Diallo can make the most of his talents at the highest level.

It is likely that Diallo will be available in the second round and the Hawks should be able to take a flyer on him with either the 30th pick or the 33rd pick.

With the right coaching situation, which the Hawks will hopefully have once they make their much ballyhooed hire, Diallo could thrive, but his lack of feel and poor decision-making and instincts on both ends must be rooted out for him to succeed.

Even still, Diallo showed a knack for highlight plays and transition scoring as he was able to gallop out on the break using his immense speed, so even if he doesn’t pan out for the Hawks, they should still be able to create some memorable plays with him and the high-flying John Collins.