Detroit Pistons Mentioned For 8 Players in Chad Ford’s Final Big Board
By Zac Snyder
Cheick Diallo
Number 24 on Ford’s final big board, Kansas big man Cheick Diallo checks all the boxes as long as you’re not looking for an upside pick over instant impact:
"Upside: One of the best motors in the draft. Plays hard on every possession. He has elite length and very good athleticism. Should be able to guard 3s, 4s and 5s in the NBA. He also has an emerging jump shot. Downside: He hardly played at Kansas as a freshman. His on-court decision-making is still developing. His offensive game in drills is ahead of his scoring prowess in games. He’s a project. Draft range: Nos. 16-29, with the Celtics, Pistons, Pacers, Hawks, Raptors, Suns and Spurs as good fits in the first round."
The eligibility battle with the NCAA very well may have stunted the development of Diallo but that should be seen as a temporary hurdle, not a permanent road block.
“An emerging jump shot” is encouraging and a sign he could one day add a three-point shot to his arsenal – something Van Gundy would surely want to see in a developmental prospect at the four.
Length, athleticism, defensive versatility, motor. There are certainly worse traits to take a risk on when drafting a project.
Next: Brice Johnson