Cheick Diallo
The Phoenix Suns brought Cheick Diallo in on a two-year deal with the second year being a team option. That option is now for James Jones. He can choose to keep Diallo for $1.8 million or let him walk and seek another minimum player on the free market.
Diallo’s potential has gotten him where he is today. He has shown flashes of brilliance since his days at Kansas but has never put enough consistent play together to merit a long term commitment.
Diallo played in 44 games this season (starting two due to injuries) and averaged 4.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per contest. That is about all you can expect for what was likely the 14th or 15th man on the roster, but it might not be enough to earn a roster spot again next season.
Of all the folks on the chopping block, I’m most confident in Diallo’s departure, but then again, the Phoenix Suns surprise (disappoint?) me with nearly ever roster move they make, so they might very well sign him to a long term extension.
Diallo has a great backstory, and I’m rooting for him to succeed, however, it will likely have to be with another team.