The appropriate question to ponder is no longer if but rather when Cheick Diallo will become a successful NBA player.
Through 16 games and 399 minutes played in the NBA D-League, Diallo is averaging some eye-popping per 36 minute stats for a young rookie: 19.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 2.2 turnovers. In addition to the impressive raw numbers, he is shooting an even 50.0% from the field and 74.3% from the free throw line.
Among all other 20 year-old or younger big men who have appeared in 200 or more minutes in the D-League, Diallo has arguably the most successful stat line because of his combination of efficiency, scoring, rebounding and rim protection.