The Oklahoma City Thunder liked enough of what they saw from Hamidou Diallo to bring back the 22-year-old.
The Thunder accepted Diallo’s 2020-21 player option, which will pay him $1.66 million, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Diallo carved out a role for himself as a second-year player, averaging almost 20 minutes per game in 46 appearances. He averaged 6.9 points and 3.6 rebounds and shot 44.6% from the field.
While Diallo, who is now 22, found a rotation spot, he hasn’t proven he’s a key piece to the future the way Darius Bazley, Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did in their first year on the Thunder.
Diallo is explosive and athletic, as proven in his 2019 NBA Dunk Contest victory, and his 6-foot-11 wingspan with his 6-foot-5 height makes him intriguing, but these areas haven’t translated to a specific, strong skill that can be useful in a rotation. He shot just 28.1% from beyond the arc, but he isn’t yet able to drive and get to the rim. He’s not a lockdown defender, either.
It’s not clear where Diallo’s ceiling lies, but there are enough positives in his abilities and athleticism that makes it more than worth it for the Thunder to bring him back, especially at the inexpensive asking price.
Diallo will likely slot in as a backup wing next season.
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