Does Cheick Diallo remind us of anybody?

The New Orleans Pelicans have entered the offseason looking to shape their franchise for years to come. Due to previous questionable signings, however, they don’t have much room for error. One of their biggest keys this season may come from a big man possibly on the verge of stardom in Cheick Diallo. As we look into his game it’s easy to see why the Pelicans are high on him. Diallo brings skill sets that not only make him unique in today’s game but extremely difficult to compare with.

The New Orleans Pelicans could have another star on their hands in Cheick Diallo. You heard it here first (OK, maybe not first, but at least second or third), but Diallo is going to be a hell of a basketball player. So far, each chance given he’s shown the ability to improve.

During last year’s summer league Diallo averaged 10.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocked shots while showing his raw tools. Last season in the G League, he played 30 minutes a night while averaging 17.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.8 blocked shots.

In the regular season against NBA talent, Diallo averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds. And don’t forget his career best game against the Clippers. Diallo continued his impressive progression by dominating the summer league this year where he was named second team all-league.

Some guys put up numbers and some pass an eye test.

Diallo checks both boxes.

At 6’9, 237-pounds he can run the floor and has incredible quickness for his size. His touch anywhere within 20 feet is smooth; he’s extremely long, can block shots with minimal effort and his motor never stops.

At the power forward position Diallo is capable of creating off the dribble, knocking down mid range jumpers, and has quick, decisive post moves. He’s comfortable operating out of the triple threat position, and possesses a flexible face-up game. Diallo has big, soft hands and is also excellent from the free throw line, something that most big men struggle with.

(Ask Kwame Brown, or Omer Asik).

Diallo has multiple ways of beating any match up, and for someone projected to be the Pelicans first big man off the bench, he could play a pivotal role this season. But he has to have weaknesses, right? Yes, but weaknesses that are, believe it or not, fairly similar to another Pelicans forward at 19 and 20-years old.

Pelicans all-star, all NBA, all-world Anthony Davis is that forward. Diallo could stand to add a few extra pounds, as he has been notably working on. Like Diallo, Davis struggled early on in his career adjusting to the size of the NBA. Being pushed out of position, having the ability to take constant contact, as well as consistent effective post defense/offense.

Discipline on defense is another thing that can plague Diallo, as he relies too often on physical gifts in certain possessions. One possession may result in a perfectly timed shot contest, the next may result in a pump fake that either ends up with the opponent getting free throws or a clear path to a basket. What could be a frustrating possession for the offense turns into a lazy swipe for the ball or an out of position Diallo.

Sound familiar?

This was exactly an issue for AD starting out. Diallo is offensively skilled as a big man than Davis was at this age, but Davis is bigger and had a more consistent mid-range jumper that could stretch to 20 feet.

Anthony patched up his weaknesses over time, and there should be optimism Diallo can do the same.

Diallo won’t be AD though, and it’s unfair to put that projection on him. Diallo is unique in his own way and it’s not as easy as it sounds to compare him to anyone.

Is there anyone close currently or from the recent past that remotely compares to Diallo? Let’s take a look.

Serge Ibaka

At 6’9 they’re built similarly, both have great motors.

Both are fairly long, can block shots, and are mid-range jumper threats.

Diallo right now has a better one on one game than Serge. Serge can shoot 3’s but he had to create that ability with lack of a developing post game. Diallo at 20 can do things Serge could never do offensively. Serge is and was also much stronger than Diallo, and his discipline defensively has also always been a strength as well.

Kenneth Faried

Anytime a nimble big man under 6’10 with a motor is mentioned, expect Kenneth Faried’s name shortly after. Diallo can rebound and run the floor well like Faried. Faried though is much more ferocious as a rebounder. Offensively there’s no comparison as Kenneth lives off of his athleticism more than skill. Defensively there’s a lot more to be desired, and he doesn’t offer much as a mid-range shooter.

Faried may have been a good comparison for Diallo coming out of college, but today they are completely different.

Dikembe Mutumbo

Weak side blocks, straight up shot contests, and a finger wag.

Dikembe Mutumbo may be Diallo’s hero, but unless he grows four inches this is a pipe dream.
Former Pelicans assistant Robert Pack mentioned last year that Diallo’s defense and “out of nowhere blocks” reminded him of Mutumbo. That means something, considering Pack and Dikembe were once teammates on the Denver Nuggets.

However, offensively they are also absolutely nothing alike and comparing Cheick to one of the greatest defensive centers of all time is as foolish as trying to dunk on Mutumbo. We’ll also respect coach Pack as he didn’t want us to go crazy with the comparison anyway.

Kenyon Martin

Kenyon Martin was a high motor freak of an athlete who played every game with a fierceness and passion. Though his post game never quite materialized he became a decent mid range shooter. He was a fantastic defender and never saw a weak side block he didn’t like. He ran the floor well and when he did face up he could use his quickness to get into the paint and finish.

Free throw shooting, post moves, and length slightly separate the two but they are more alike than you think.

Shawn Kemp

This might surprise you if you just thought  Kemp was a dunker. Even a poor man’s Shawn Kemp is a good career. As athletes, the “rain man” was just on another level . On the other side of the basketball he also played the passing lanes well and blocked his fair share of shots. Diallo appears to be more active on that side even though Kemp wasn’t a slouch averaging as many as two blocked shots one season.

Cheick is also better at challenging shots consistently, and has the tools to be more of a factor overall defensively due to his length. While Kemp was more explosive and stronger they both have similar abilities in the face up game. Both pose respectable mid range jump shots as well as quick, decisive post moves. Their hands and agility allow both to be good pick and roll/pop players.

These two have a considerable amount in common.

Just don’t ever expect Diallo to do any of this.

Antonio McDyess

Forgot about him, didn’t you?

McDyess’ athletic advantages were cut short due to knee injuries, but before that he was one of the best power forwards in basketball. Like Diallo, McDyess was super athletic, long, had great footwork, and a deadly consistent mid- range jumper.

McDyess, at 6’9 240-pounds, had the same type of build as Cheick. Though McDyess was more polished offensively, Cheick has the tools to be more of an elite defender. These two both love to work facing up and are tenacious when going up for rebounds. Outside of McDyess being stronger there may not be a better fit when it comes to comparisons. We just only hope Cheick can have better fortune when it comes to health than McDyess.

Conclusion

Playing behind DeMarcus Cousins and AD won’t leave a bunch of front court minutes initially, but with Davis’ injury history and Cousins’ ability to gather a technical foul or two, Diallo will have his time to shine. In addition, being the third big man in the rotation could give him a healthy 15-20 minutes a night. That’s enough time for Diallo to continue showcasing his game. The Pelicans know they have something special and they also know about drafting a special talent who’s hard to compare with.

The last one turned out pretty well, I’m sure they’d welcome even half of that from Diallo.