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2018 NBA Draft: The Kentucky conspiracy theory on Diallo, Knox

By Connor Harr

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 30: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives to the basket against Payton Willis #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Rupp Arena on January 30, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 30: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives to the basket against Payton Willis #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Rupp Arena on January 30, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 06: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats rebounds against Grant Williams #2 and Derrick Walker #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half of a game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 6, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 06: Hamidou Diallo #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats rebounds against Grant Williams #2 and Derrick Walker #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half of a game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 6, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Diallo’s Defensive Synergy stats

This is where Hamidou Diallo has more value he ranks excellent and over the 90th percent tile in every Synergy Defensive Category (Spot Up, Pick and Roll, & Dribble Handoff). The only two category’s Diallo doesn’t rank excellent in are isolation and defending off screens. His isolation defensive is rated as below average and his off screen defense is poor.

These stats might be a little misguiding. Diallo is far from a great defender right now. With his physical and athletic tools he should be a great defender though. His poor off screen defensive rating shows that Hamidou doesn’t player very good off ball defense. His lack of IQ often gets him lost off of his man.

Even though these stats are misleading it shouldn’t be taken that Diallo won’t ever be a good defender. These numbers were better than anticipated. However, the isolation defense will need to improve. If Diallo’s offensive game never develops he will need to be an absolute defensive stopper on defense. Meaning he will have to guard heavy isolation big time scorers.