2018 NBA Mock Draft: What’s in store for the second round?

Diallo measured out at 6-6 with a nearly 7-0 wingspan last week at the combine, and he’ll continue to remind teams from now until the draft just how big and athletic he is. Though he struggled to fit in around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Knox at Kentucky this year, those physical gifts haven’t gone away, and they were exciting enough last offseason that Diallo nearly entered the draft without ever playing in college.

Yet the questions about feel stand out just as much as his athletic gifts. Diallo tallied more turnovers than assists this year, posted a grotesque .498 true shooting percentage, and failed to make a consistent impact on the defensive box score. His steal and block percentages were both far too low for someone who can leap out of the gym with the foot speed to stay with anyone in college basketball.

The decision on whether or not to draft Diallo will center this summer on how you think he will develop as an offensive player and what his defensive ceiling is. If Diallo can become effective in transition and hit open jump shots, he will be playable on offense. If he can turn that upside into steals, blocks and explosive team defense, maybe he’s a legitimate player in the league.

Orlando has a few picks in the second round, and using one on an athletic, high-ceiling guy like Diallo is not a bad idea.