Where does Hamidou Diallo fit in Pistons restoration process?

The Detroit Pistons future is currently as bright as it’s been in years. Headlined by number one overall pick Cade Cunningham, and second-year commodities Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, and Killian Hayes, the foundation has been installed for what this team might look like in, let’s say three years time.

However, throughout this season (although less so recently,  given circumstances) and the end of last, it seems that one key player is often omitted from the discussion surrounding the young core: Hamidou Diallo.

Due to health and safety protocols, the Pistons roster, along with just about every other team in the NBA, has been decimated by COVID-19 related absences, pushing guys like who had been role players into featured roles.

Luckily for the fans, the returns have been overwhelmingly positive for the Detroit Pistons.

As a starter this year, Hamidou has posted averages 16.2/6.3/2.2 while shooting over 50 percent from the field. These numbers are quite impressive, but when taking a look at how he performed in the four games where he, Frank Jackson (who suffered an ankle injury after a game), and Saddiq Bey were the only players in the Pistons regular rotation to suit up, we’ve been able to see what he’s truly capable of. His ceiling may be higher than anyone not named Troy Weaver realized.

In the aforementioned four contests, Diallo was given the chance to be featured in the offensive game plan. He produced an average stat line of 26.3/9/3.8, including two games of 30+ points, and twice he swiped five steals. He looked like a high-end starter on a playoff-caliber team by most accounts, and left fans wondering if this is his potential role for the future.

Hamidou Diallo’s outlook for the remainder of the season

With the bulk of the Pistons regular roster returning to action in Monday night’s win over reigning NBA champs Milwaukee, Hamidou’s moment in the spotlight has likely come to an end. Coach Dwane Casey indicated that he will be relegated back to his role as primarily a cutter, on-ball defender, and rebounder at the guard/wing position.

Diallo will likely maintain his starting role until Jerami Grant returns to the team from his thumb injury. If Grant is traded prior to the deadline, the trade very well may include a young forward/wing tabbed as Grant’s replacement but, even in this instance, I think Diallo will continue to be the starter for an indefinite period of time, while Grant’s possible replacement acclimates to the new city and team.