Thunder Lands Hamidou Diallo in Draft-Night Trade

In a deal that was completed after the 2018 NBA Draft had come to an end, the Oklahoma City Thunder landed Hamidou Diallo from the University of Kentucky. Diallo was selected 45th overall by the Brooklyn Nets, although the selection was made on behalf of the Charlotte Hornets. As the 45th pick was recently included in the Dwight Howard trade, Diallo’s arrival in Oklahoma City won’t become official until July 6.

It’s yet to be revealed what the Thunder will send to Charlotte in exchange for Diallo’s draft rights. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi.

Some details on the uber-athletic Diallo:

Age: 19

Height: 6-6

Weight: 197

Wingspan: 6’11 ½”

Vertical: 40.5″

2017-18 Stats: 10 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 45.8% FG, 33.8% 3P

Highlights:

Diallo didn’t have the freshman season many expected him to have at Kentucky, but his game will likely translate to the professional level due to his absurd athleticism. A quick, explosive athlete, he has all the physical tools necessary to become an impact player down the line. While he needs to find his way defensively and become more reliable with his jump shot, he holds tremendous upside for a player taken so late in the draft. He probably needs to spend a decent amount of time in the G-League, but there’s a great deal of potential here.

As for now, the addition of Diallo was a nice snag in an otherwise uneventful evening for the Thunder. Between Diallo and Terrance Ferguson, there’s a great deal of young athleticism to develop in Oklahoma City.

This story will be updated when trade details are revealed. More to come.