During the 2021–22 NBL season, the versatile wing Ousmane Dieng played with the New Zealand Breakers. He possesses a lot of tools, both physical and skill-based, giving him great attacking promise. He is the kind of prospect that certain front offices could regard highly—he can shoot, handle, and pass. Dieng, who will enter the NBA at the age of 19, has a lot of promise.
Age: 19
Height: 6’10
Weight: 215 lbs.
Strengths
- Playmaking
- Two-Way Upside
- Measurables
Dieng demonstrated that he was a dynamic playmaker in the half-court and during transition during the little time he was in the NBL. He frequently slung passes past opponents with his 7' wingspan and possesses a very silky grip for someone his stature. In the film, his offensive feel and awareness stand out, and his game has a hint of flashiness that is very aesthetically pleasing. Because of his length and excellent coordination, he can also finish around contact when passing the ball around the hoop.
He has a strong sense of the game on the other side of the court. Dieng has the length and feels to make plays defensively, despite the fact that he is currently not a reliable defender (we'll get to that later). While he may not be the quickest, he is not so sluggish that he routinely loses to opponents. He has demonstrated the ability to weak-side block and has rotational solid sense. His two-way potential appears to be fairly high if he can bulk up on an NBA program and learn to make contact.
Similar to his defense, his shooting is not yet an NBA-plus talent. He did, however, demonstrate potential as a catch-and-shoot (C&S) danger and had a practical shooting form. He will be given minutes if he can consistently provide a shooting threat. It most likely has the largest swing effect on his upside.
Weaknesses
- Aggressiveness
- Consistency
- Shot Creation
Ousmane Dieng, who is 19 years old, will currently be bullied in the NBA. Despite this, his structure and shape indicate that he should be able to put on weight and growth as he gets older. This is encouraging for his dual upside. He now depends heavily on floaters and runners to score near the basket because he hasn't demonstrated the ability to finish through contact. He does well defensively while playing in rotations since it gives him the freedom to roam around, but when playing straight up in the post, he gets bullied and won't be able to stop an NBA finisher who is desperate to score at the rim.
You wonder whether, despite his prowess as a playmaker, he ever experiences difficulties with attacking assertiveness. His efficacy is greatly constrained if he can't get up and finish through contact or shoot reliably from outside. The one ability he possesses going into the draught that is completely NBA-ready is that he is a 6' 10" man who only plays for other people.
However, there is really starting potential here if he can bulk up and add weight to his body, as well as develop the ability to take contact and express himself on both sides of the floor. He obviously has a lot to figure out, but with the proper franchise, he will be able to overcome these obstacles.
Conclusion & Hawks Fit
On draught night, it appears that Dieng could be available for the Hawks at pick #16. He does, in fact, suit Travis Schlenk's preferred playing style of shot, handle, and pass. The swing elements, including gaining weight and honing his shot, are crucial. In my view (or choice), the Hawks ought to pursue a player who can immediately contribute at the top level because Dieng might not get there for a few more years.
In a league that has been leaning towards his archetype, Dieng is a terrific choice with an upside that has the potential to develop into a valuable wing. He would be better off joining a team that would offer him the time and room to develop his talent. Whether the Hawks want that kind of dedication is up for debate. Dieng may be the best player available if he falls to pick number 16, but the Hawks may not want to select him.
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