CHICAGO — After a strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine this week, former Kansas forward Cheick Diallo is expected to sign with an agent on Monday, a source close to Diallo told SNY.tv.
One NBA executive at the Combine told SNY.tv that of the 60+ players at the event, the 6-foot-9 Diallo probably helped his stock more than any other player.
The Mali native is currently projected at No. 32 by DraftExpress.com, but could move into the first round based on his play here.
Diallo met with multiple teams here on Friday, including the Knicks, Boston, Toronto and Utah.
“It was cool,” Diallo said. “I never met [Knicks assistant GM Allan Houston] before. I saw him on TV, so that’s kind of a big deal.”
One league source said the Knicks and Nets are both trying to buy a late-first or early-second round pick. The Celtics have as many as eight picks.
“Basically they were all asking me how I can help the team,” Diallo said. “I block shots and rebound and run the floor and protect the rim, so that’s what I do best. Everybody wanna see what I can do.”
Of the Celtics, he said: “It was pretty good because I never met the head coach [Brad Stevens] before so I was talking to him. I see him on TV but talking to him face-to-face that’s kind of a big deal. I was excited.”
He added: “Boston is a good program, so I think it’s a good team.”
Asked what he showed at the Combine, Diallo said: “I didn’t get to show that much in college because of the NCAA thing but I show everybody I can run the floor, block shots and protect the rim. Even today, I missed some shots, I got some fouls, but it’s not a big deal. I know I can do better.”
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