Suns add former Virginia NCAA Match hero earlier than coaching camp

The Phoenix Suns have agreed to an Exhibit-10 take care of Mamadi Diakite, in response to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, permitting the 6-foot-9 ahead to hitch their coaching camp. Diakite, who acquired $1.4 million from the Knicks as a part of the Mikal Bridges commerce, now has a possibility to show himself with Phoenix as he goals to safe a spot on the roster. Whereas he faces an uphill battle, the Exhibit-10 deal provides him flexibility to both earn a contract or proceed his growth within the G League with the Valley Suns.

As a part of a separate deal, the Valley Suns, Phoenix’s G League affiliate, acquired the returning participant rights to Mamadi Diakite from the Westchester Knicks in alternate for Theo Maledon and Trevion Williams. Diakite, who went undrafted in 2020 after serving to lead Virginia to an NCAA Championship in 2019, has steadily constructed his NBA résumé, enjoying in 55 NBA video games throughout stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks.

Within the 2023-24 G League season, Diakite averaged 14.4 factors, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per recreation over 18 video games between the Knicks and Austin Spurs. Whereas his protection and rebounding have been standout features of his recreation, his taking pictures stays a piece in progress. Diakite flashed potential as a stretch ahead, making an attempt 3.5 three-pointers per recreation, however struggled with effectivity, taking pictures simply 31.7% from past the arc. Regardless of these taking pictures challenges, Diakite has proven some enchancment within the G League, taking pictures 48-for-140 (34.3%) from deep in 42 G League video games, providing hope that his exterior shot can proceed to develop.

Mamadi Diakite’s familiarity with Budenholzer and defensive versatility make him a key Suns prospect

Phoenix is not any stranger to Diakite’s skills, as he spent his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks below Mike Budenholzer, who’s now the Suns’ head coach. Diakite was a part of the Bucks’ 2021 NBA Championship workforce, giving him beneficial expertise on the highest degree. His familiarity with Budenholzer’s teaching type may very well be an asset as he seems to carve out a job on the Suns’ roster.

Though Diakite’s journey within the NBA has been outlined by quick stints and developmental stops, his versatile ability set makes him an intriguing prospect for the Suns. His defensive tenacity, shot-blocking capability, and rebounding presence provide worth, particularly in a league that more and more values huge males who can stretch the ground. Whereas his three-point taking pictures stays inconsistent, Diakite’s potential to develop right into a extra dependable stretch ahead aligns with the Suns’ wants.

For now, Diakite will deal with making an impression throughout coaching camp, the place he can compete for a roster spot. If he doesn’t make the NBA workforce, Phoenix can nonetheless retain him within the group through their G League affiliate, giving him extra time to develop his recreation. The Valley Suns, having traded Maledon and Williams to accumulate Diakite’s rights, appear dedicated to his progress inside their system. With few gamers on the present roster that match Diakite’s distinctive mould, he presents a possible low-risk, high-reward choice for the Suns as they consider their frontcourt choices shifting ahead.