Charlotte Hornets: 5 centers who would help rim protection

Cheick Diallo

Cheick Diallo, like Noel, is another bench big that could be a nice, cheap pickup for the Charlotte Hornets.

Diallo is now in his third year with New Orleans, but is averaging a career-low 9.8 minutes. He still gives you 3.6 points and 3.6 rebounds, and with the right playing time, he may be able to make a big difference.

He’s really long and active, and that helps him on the defense end. He has a 7’4″ wingspan and a 9’1″ standing reach. It’s really tough to finish at the basket over length like that.

Diallo actually sort of reminds me of Nerlens Noel, but with more upside. He’s working on extending the range on his jump shot, he has a really good motor and he’s only 22 years old. He’s stuck behind Anthony Davis and Julius Randle in New Orleans right now, so maybe a trade to a different team would give him a better opportunity to show what he can do.

With the Pelicans hellbent on making the playoffs, like the Hornets, they could be willing to part ways with a younger player like Diallo. He’d be a sneaky good pickup for the Hornets, considering how they really need some more rim protection, and he still has plenty of upside.