2022 NBA Draft: Who are the 10 best prospects in this draft class?
3. Ousmane Dieng – NBL
6-9 185 lbs. 7-0 WS
23 GP 8.9 ppg 3.1 rpg 39.8 FG% 27.1 3P%
Shades of: Khris Middleton, Ben Simmons
Surprise surprise, somebody I have started to get irrationally high on. I am so high on Dieng that if he were to get drafted in the right system with the right coaching and development program he could become really good. I personally don’t think he will go higher than #9 in the draft, but who knows.
In the beginning stages of the draft process and for the majority of the year I was not high on Dieng—at all. I couldn’t understand the hype when the early portions of the season he was below average. He seemed timid, weak, and an overall liability on both ends of the ball. It was very premature of me doing so. I should’ve let the season materialized some more to come to a firm conclusion if I really did or did not like him as a player. It was dumb to count out an 18-year-old (now 19) who’s playing meaningful minutes in one of the top leagues in the world.
From February 6th onto to the end of the season with the New Zealand Breakers, Dieng averaged 13.3 ppg. Looking more comfortable on and off the ball. His ability to operate in the pick and roll situations with a confident dribble seemingly opened up the game for him. A specific skill in the pick and roll that flies under the radar even though all the great operators have it, is the ability to hold the defender on the hip.
In doing so Dieng is able to use his awareness to make the right play in an advantageous opportunity. Another underrated part of Dieng’s game is the ability to pass the ball. Being able to pass as a live dribbler while conducting it with a soft touch is appealing to him being used as a creator.
Dieng as a secondary creator at his size could unlock the offense of whatever team he’s on. Landing in a comfortable place to develop and tune-up these flashes that have been shown is the hope for Dieng’s situation. The sell for Dieng is the ability to improve on the creation flashes which could propel him to being dangerous as a scorer and playmaker.
The catch and shoot opportunities have looked good for Dieng so far too. Albeit the percentages may contradict everything I am saying but the fluidity, shot motion and mechanics are all there. It’s not a flat shot by any means. With more shooting reps there can be significant improvement in that department.
On the defensive end, which may end up being his bread and butter, he’s stuck out like a sore thumb. His go-go gadget arms provide additional help to keep his defenders close by if they were to get in front. He has great mobility to recover, often deterring shots which can be a bonus in rewarding extra possessions for his team. His verticality at the rim is top-notch too. He uses his wingspan to perfection by timing the contest at the rim. His upside as a blocker is there.
On-ball defense happens to be a strong suit as well. He’s competent laterally but with the addition of his wingspan, it keeps the opponent honest. It’s sometimes a struggle for opponents to beat him off the dribble so when they try and out physical him, he walls them off forcing a pickup of the dribble. Don’t overthink someone with the specific tools to thrive on the defensive end.
Dieng had an abysmal slow start. He finally came around towards the end of the season showcasing his potential as a future NBA player. He’s risen this high on my board due to the potential ability to be that 2-way superstar teams actively search for in the draft. Really raw right now but could develop nicely, just give him time.