In the dynamic world of basketball, certain names resonate not just for their prowess on the court but for the captivating stories that accompany their rise to stardom. One such luminary is Malian professional basketball player Cheick Diallo, a force to be reckoned with. Born on September 13, 1996, Cheick Diallo is a skilled professional basketball player hailing from Mali. He currently graces the court as a key player for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League. Diallo’s basketball journey began with acclaim, marked by his status as a five-star recruit and the prestigious title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game.
After a noteworthy season in college basketball with Kansas, Diallo ventured into the professional realm by declaring for the 2016 NBA draft. The Los Angeles Clippers recognized his talent, selecting him as the 33rd overall pick.
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Cheick Diallo’s Career
Diallo’s basketball journey has been a globetrotting adventure, showcasing his talent across various leagues and countries. Here’s a look into his career moves:
- New Orleans Pelicans (2016-2019): Diallo begins his NBA career after being selected by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2016 NBA draft. In the 2017-2018 season, he set season-high scores of 14 and 17 points against the Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics, respectively.
- Phoenix Suns (2019): On July 23, 2019, Diallo signed a two-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. During his time with the Suns, he achieved a career-high 22 points in a game against the Denver Nuggets.
- Avtodor Saratov (2021): On February 2, 2021, Diallo signed with Avtodor Saratov of the VTB United League.
- Fuenlabrada (2021): Diallo continued his global basketball journey by signing with Fuenlabrada of the Spanish Liga ACB.
- Motor City Cruise (2021): Returning to the U.S., Diallo joined the Motor City Cruise of the NBA G League on November 8, 2021. In 13 games, he demonstrated his prowess with averages of 14.4 points on 71.4% shooting and 8.5 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game.
- Detroit Pistons (2021): Diallo’s stellar performance earned him a 10-day contract with the Detroit Pistons on December 23, 2021. After the expiration of the contract, Motor City re-acquired him.
- Cangrejeros de Santurce (2022): Diallo expanded his horizons by signing with the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the BSN (Baloncesto Superior Nacional) on May 1, 2022.
- Kyoto Hannaryz (2022): Venturing into the Japanese B.League, Diallo signed with Kyoto Hannaryz on July 26, 2022.
- Return to Cangrejeros de Santurce (2023): After his stint in Japan, Diallo returned to the Cangrejeros de Santurce.
- Miami Heat and Sioux Falls Skyforce (2023): Diallo briefly joined the Miami Heat on September 27, 2023, but was waived on October 21, prior to the start of the 2023–24 season. Subsequently, on November 9, 2023, he found a spot on the opening night roster for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Cheick Diallo’s Family
Cheick Diallo, born to Mamadou and Ramata Diallo, is the youngest among six brothers. Growing up, he honed his basketball skills by frequently playing with older friends and family. In February 2012, Diallo embarked on a journey to the United States to pursue a career in basketball, despite facing the challenge of not being fluent in English. Reflecting on that time, he expressed the difficulty of leaving behind his parents, friends, and everything familiar, stating, “It was so tough. I left my parents, my friends, my brothers, everything, just to come here.”
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Networth and salary
Even in his youth, Cheick Diallo has gathered a substantial fan base and received significant support. As of 2023, his estimated net worth surpasses $1 million. In 2016, Cheick Diallo inked a lucrative three-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, valued at $2.5 million. By 2018, he secured the position as the 13th highest-paid player on the New Orleans Pelicans roster. Across his five seasons in the NBA, Diallo has amassed earnings exceeding $5 million. Beyond the NBA, he also supplements his income by participating in other basketball leagues.
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Random facts
Position – Center / power forward
Current team – Sioux Falls Skyforce
Height – 2.03m (6 ft 8 in)
Weight – 219 lb (99kg)