When the Detroit Pistons traded for Hamidou Diallo, Troy Weaver was already well aware of his potential, as he was part of the team that originally drafted him in OKC.
Weaver traded Svi Mykhailiuk for restricted free agent Diallo and his season was up and down for Detroit.
He was battling nagging injuries, so while he did flash some huge potential, he wasn’t able to do it consistently in his short time with the Pistons.
But that didn’t stop Troy Weaver from giving him a vote of confidence by not only talking about him as part of the future, but saying that he thinks Diallo is going to be a special player.
Weaver said in a recent interview:
"“Hami, he fits what we’re trying to do here, tremendous mindset, tremendous competitor. Defensive mindset, athletic. You can never have too many guys that have that mindset and that competitiveness and bring it every night. As we’re going through this process, we’re looking for those types of players. He fits the bill going forward for us. Tremendous young man. Very fortunate and excited to have him join the Pistons. Great things can come ahead with Hami.”"
Weaver clearly thinks Diallo can be a player in this league and is excited about his future with the Detroit Pistons. Is he right?
Detroit Pistons: Why Troy Weaver is right about Hamidou Diallo
One thing I’ve learned over Troy Weaver’s first season with the Detroit Pistons is that he is usually right.
He’s been on the right side of just about every move he’s made, so it’s better to just agree with Weaver now and avoid looking foolish later.
Diallo has already shown elite athleticism and rebounding for a shooting guard. He is a willing and tough perimeter defender who can guard multiple spots and competes every night.
So he fits the mold of what the Detroit Pistons are building, but can he be more?
I think the most exciting part of Diallo’s time in Detroit so far is that he has shown an improved 3-point shot. He shot 39.5 percent from long range while in Detroit, and though it was on a low volume of only two attempts per game, it is something to build on for the future.
Diallo already has the defense and rebounding, so if he can add a long-range shot, the ceiling for what he can be is raised considerably.
I agree with Weaver that Diallo could be something special and I think he’ll get the chance to prove it with the Detroit Pistons next season.