Milwaukee Bucks: 5 players to watch in the 2021 NBA Summer League
By Jacob Maier
Milwaukee Bucks’ Mamadi Diakite will look to refine his game in the Summer League
Mamadi Diakite is an intriguing player for Milwaukee. The power forward has a defensive ability that was excellent in college but still needs some refining at the NBA level.
With Diakite’s defensive IQ, he has a good chance to tweak his game in the Summer League. The Virginia alum had difficulty finding time on the floor last season in the NBA, but he proved he has NBA-level abilities in the G-League.
Following his first season in the G-League, Diakite was given First Team All-NBA G League honors, along with NBA G-League All-Defensive Team honors. Furthermore, Mamadi was selected to the NBA G League All-Rookie Team and finished second in the G-League Rookie of the Year voting. In his 12 games in his G League stint, the young forward posted an average of 18 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two assists on 58.3 percent shooting from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc.
His potential as an NBA player is prevalent after such a promising stint with the G-League. With time in the Summer League to show what he is made of, Diakite will be given a chance to increase his level of play and look to replicate a standout season in the G-league. Diakite provides excellent depth at the forward position and has the ability to play as a stretch five if needed. Without a doubt, Mamadi’s skills are there. If Diakite expands his game, specifically on the defensive end, he should have a valuable Summer League debut.