Fansided

2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 25: Lakers at No. 1, Knicks at No. 2

By Chris Stone

Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dunks against Colorado Buffaloes forward Tory Miller (14) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Colorado Buffaloes guard Dominique Collier (15) watches the play at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dunks against Colorado Buffaloes forward Tory Miller (14) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Colorado Buffaloes guard Dominique Collier (15) watches the play at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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17

Hamidou Diallo

SG, Kentucky

Draft status: In without an agent

Kentucky guard Hamidou Diallo declared for the NBA Draft without ever having played a college basketball game. The 18-year old joined the team at semester after spending the fall in prep school to get in practice against higher level opponents. He is eligible for the draft, however, because he graduated high school last fall. Think Thon Maker. And that’s what makes Diallo landing with the Milwaukee Bucks such a reasonable possibility. This is likely higher than where Diallo will debut on most draft boards, but the 6-foot-5 guard is arguably the best athlete in the class and should perform well during workouts, which could move him up the board.

Diallo has a 6-foot-10 wingspan and the potential to be a defensive nightmare when it comes to both guard positions. He’s an elite athlete, moves well laterally and can disrupt the point of attack. Offensively, Diallo is best as a cutter as he doesn’t have a great handle yet and his jump shot is a work in progress. Workouts could reveal that he made significant strides during his time with the Wildcats, but we simply don’t know yet.

Not knowing is one of those things that could benefit Diallo, just like it did Maker. NBA teams have had less time to scrutinize his game, but the allure of his upside will be attractive. That’s why he comes off the board here to Milwaukee.