NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 guys who will matter in the playoffs

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 10: Landry Shamet #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Detroit Pistons on December 10, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 19: Hamidou Diallo #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 19, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Hamidou Diallo

The idea that a rookie who entered the draft after one season at Kentucky could fly under the radar is pretty hard to believe. That’s exactly what happened with Diallo.

The rest of the NBA’s misevaluation was the Thunder’s gain. Sam Presti managed to swing a trade with the Nets after they selected Diallo at No. 45. He’s outplayed even the most optimistic projections for a player drafted in that range.

His numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, but the fact that he’s playing over 12 minutes per night for a team that’s projected to finish in the top four of the Western Conference is pretty special.

Diallo provides value to the Thunder with his ability to get out in transition and make plays. As time goes on he’ll need to do a lot of work on his perimeter jump shot, but there’s a place in the league for wings with elite athleticism.

The only question about Diallo’s role in the postseason is whether or not he can stay in the rotation if Billy Donovan tightens things up. We like his chances to stay on the floor against other second units. His ability to provide his team a spark is too attractive to give up on.

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