Pelica Debrief
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How Cheick Diallo Can Learn From the Raptors’ Pascal Siakam

By Seth Nefsky

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 15: Cheick Diallo #13 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Lucas Nogueira #92 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 15, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 15: Cheick Diallo #13 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Lucas Nogueira #92 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 15, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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What’s Next for Diallo?

New Orleans Pelicans Cheick Diallo
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 18: Cheick Diallo /

Despite Diallo having a disappointing sophomore season, I have not lost faith in the possibility him eventually becoming a solid role player. Though Diallo has shown to be more raw than Siakam in two seasons, that could just be because Diallo is two years younger.

However, Diallo will definitely need to change parts of his game if he wants to be effective in 2018-2019. On defense, Diallo needs to simply play smarter. No more giving up drives to smaller switches, and no more glory-block interior defense.

On offense, the next step is for Diallo to develop either a corner three-point shot, which will allow him to function as a legitimate power forward and open up much needed driving lanes for driving teammates, or like Siakam, develop a solid handle in the half court, which could once again allow him to be somewhat of a threat on the perimeter.

Next: New Orleans Should Consider Pursuing Danny Green This Summer

If Diallo is able to fix his defense and make his offense at least somewhat useful, just imagine what a big man combo of Diallo and Anthony Davis would be able to accomplish defending the pick and roll.

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