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This Cheick Diallo NBA Draft profile takes a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the 19-year-old power forward.
Cheick Diallo – 6’9″ 219 lbs Power Forward/Center, University of Kansas, 19 years old
While Diallo has played both power forward and center at Kansas; he most likely profiles as a power forward in the NBA. He could be versatile enough to play the “5” in small lineups though.
Strengths
Diallo has good height at 6-foot 9-inches and an outstanding 7-foot 4-inch wingspan. This length allows him to be active at the defensive end, altering shots; and pressuring the ball handler. He shows a very high energy level out on the floor, and has the speed to run the floor. He works extremely hard and brings high energy. He crashes hard on the glass, and gets rebounds. He has good footwork and defensive game.
Weaknesses
Diallo is very raw at the offensive end. He can finish in close to the basket, but he needs some work on his footwork and moves in close. He will need to develop his shot; further away from the rim. He needs to improve his shooting stroke, as well as his ability to hit free throws. Don’t expect him to be a stretch four that has become so popular in the current NBA.
A bench player at Kansas, he needs to be given some time to develop. He is likely to play in the D-League next year.
Potential
Diallo profiles as a rotation player, who can help out on the defensive end and add some energy to a team. He looks to be drafted late in the first round, or early in the second.
NBA Player Profile
Diallo’s style reminds many of a poor-man’s Tristan Thompson. He obviously doesn’t have the same talent level as the former 4th overall pick, and current NBA Champion; but he brings some of the same tools to the table.
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