Detroit Pistons: This player will be the X-factor for the Pistons

The Detroit Pistons may have an X-factor lurking behind the scenes.

Hamidou Diallo earned his respect on the concrete courts of New York City. The Queen’s native went from the playground parks to high school basketball’s elite. He began playing basketball at John Bowne High School before transferring to Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, quickly becoming a highly touted five-star recruit. Scholarship offers from several colleges rolled in, it was finally time to make a decision.

The five-star phenom eventually chose Kentucky Wildcats in January of 2017. Diallo decided to redshirt due to his late commitment. He used that time to train and adapt to the collegiate game. Practicing with the team allowed him to get high-level competition during that time.

The following year he made his debut for the Wildcats. Inserted into the starting lineup he averaged 10 pints and 3.5 rebounds. He was fifth in minutes and shot 43 percent on eight shot attempts on a loaded Kentucky roster which had six other players get NBA experience off the squad. After a heartbreaking 58-61 loss to Kansas State in the NCAA tournament his freshman year was finalized.

Detroit Pistons: Hamidou Diallo continued to get overlooked in the NBA

He entered the 2018 NBA draft and landed in Oklahoma City with the 45th pick. In the NBA second round picks aren’t promised contracts and rarely make rosters. Mr. Diallo wasn’t interested in letting those odds beat him. Hami as he like to be called went on to make the team, playing in 51 games as a rookie, gaining national notoriety in 2019 during All Star weekend where he put on an acrobatic show in the dunk contest. His elbow in the rim dunk was reminiscent of Vince Carter’s signature dunk and he added his own twist by ripping open his jersey showing the Superman logo, sealing the deal and taking home the title of slam dunk champion back to Oklahoma City.

Troy Weaver Assistant GM for the Thunder knew he could play and just needed some time to get familiar with the NBA. Troy was a key player in drafting Diallo, seeing the potential he had even after his up and down freshman season at Kentucky. Troy moved on in the summer on in 2020 taking that respect and love for Diallo with him in his next journey to Detroit.

As the new General Manager of the Detroit Pistons Weaver had a daunting task of restoring the franchise. Weaver made many deals in his first year. Starting with acquiring the right to players like Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey. Midway through his first year in his new role a familiar face became available: Hamidou Diallo. He pulled the trigger on a deal sending Svi Mykhailiuk to the Thunder in exchange for the third-year wing.

Diallo played some of the best basketball of his young career reuniting with Weaver in Motown. He emerged as a high-energy wing providing defense and scoring touch. The big surprise was his shooting from outside with the Pistons. Shooting a career-high from three at 39 percent in his 20 games with the team.

He was nursing a hamstring injury when he arrived, but still managed to average 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 23 minutes a night. On May 4th 2021 he exploded for a career high 35 points and 7 rebounds against Charlotte Hornets. Although the Pistons lost a tight game 102-99 he learned his fit within the offense. With the confidence of Weaver and now head coach Casey he was a lock for returning as a Piston after his pending free agency.

After inking a two year deal worth 10.4 million dollars this offseason the business is handled. This allows him to focus on basketball in a environment and offense he can thrive in. Now he’s implemented and the staff around him knows what he brings. Expect him to take another step forward providing a spark off the bench.

He has the talent and drive to compete at both ends of the floor. Having more time in the system will only help his natural defensive instincts. He can guard multiple positions and could be a nightmare for teams to deal with due to his athleticism and versatility.

I can see him making a solid impact to start the season. Wether he is coming off the bench or starting he’ll be a valuable asset. On a discount deal like his he’ll certainly outplay his contract. His production should increase this season with some continuity. He very well could be Detroit’s biggest free agent signing when all the chips fall.

Diallo will be the x-factor for this team. If he can continue shooting as he did in that small sample size last year the sky’s the limit. Pistons fans are excited and optimistic about this upcoming season for many reasons. Hamidou Diallo could be a huge reason why that optimism turns into reality.
My prediction: He will  average 14 points 5 rebounds 2 assists and be the big x-factor in the Detroit Pistons’ improvement.