Cheick Diallo NBA Combine 2016: Measurements, Analysis and Draft Projection
Cheick Diallo appears to be boosting his draft stock at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago after strong measurements and play in scrimmages.
Take a look at his measurements, courtesy of DraftExpress.com:
| Height without Shoes | Height with Shoes | Weight | Wingspan | Standing Reach | Body Fat % |
| 6' 7.5" | 6' 9" | 219 | 7' 4.5" | 8' 11.5" | 5.6 |
Diallo also committed to the draft on Friday after just one year at Kansas, per ESPN's Jeff Goodman:
He seems to be making the most of this decision as he was among the standouts during Friday's scrimmages, according to ESPN's Chad Ford and Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman:
Diallo averaged just three points and 2.5 rebounds a game after appearing in 27 contests for the Jayhawks. With such little experience playing big-time basketball, drafting Diallo would be purely based off his potential.
He is a long and athletic kid who has the ability to become an effective rebounder and rim-protector, much like Toronto's Bismack Biyombo. Wasserman also noted that Diallo flashed some offensive ability during Thursday's scrimmage:
Diallo entered Kansas with plenty of fanfare as a 5-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Game MVP with a world of athletic ability. However, an NCAA investigation into improper benefits made Diallo ineligible to join the Jayhawks until late November. The lack of early-season experience and continuity with his teammates showed as Diallo struggled to find a place on a loaded Kansas team.
He now seems to be realizing that potential with his play in front of NBA clubs.
For teams picking at the end of the first round, Diallo represents a great opportunity for development for a franchise that already has the pieces to consistently be in the postseason.
Landing on a squad like the Boston Celtics would greatly benefit both parties. Diallo could develop without any pressure to immediately contribute. He could provide some great energy off of the bench early in his career before developing into an inside defensive presence that the Celtics need.
All statistics courtesy of ESPN.com.
