Cavs: 3 players still available they could sign in free agency

3 players still available Cavs could sign in free agency: Hamidou Diallo

Some player types take a long time to develop, and one of those is the nuclear athlete who didn’t receive proper skill development growing up. A player like Hamidou Diallo came into the league incredibly raw, but he has shown tremendous growth since then.

Last year was his “breakout” season, as Diallo increased his scoring from 6.9 points per game to an 11.6 average, and shot 34.1 percent from 3-point range. After a midseason trade to the Detroit Pistons he upped that percentage to 39 percent on 2.1 attempts per game. It’s still a work in progress, but the shot is coming along.

Diallo’s athleticism undergirds the other things he brings to the table. He is a plus rebounder for a 6’5″ wing, pulling in 5.2 rebounds per game in his limited minuntes (8.0 rebounds per-36 minutes). He has quick hands, finishes extremely well at the rim and is a monster in transition. Those offset his poor free throw shooting and poor shot selection; both are things that should improve with time.

Diallo just turned 23, so he would fit in with the Cavs’ timetable and give them a different look off the bench. The Detroit Pistons still control his rights in restricted free agency, but their roster is nearly full and they could pull the qualifying offer soon. If that happens the Cavaliers should extend an offer to the Queens native to come and be a part of what is building in Cleveland.