Alpha Diallo is preparing to begin his NBA career at 29 after joining the Denver Nuggets following five successful seasons with AS Monaco.
The reigning EuroLeague Best Defender is looking to earn a place in Denver’s rotation under head coach David Adelman, bringing defensive versatility and experience from European basketball.
The move also represents a homecoming for Diallo, who grew up in Colorado and attended Denver West High School.
Despite his experience overseas, Diallo understands that adjusting to the NBA will require him to adapt to a different system, particularly when playing alongside superstar Nikola Jokic.
The forward expects to contribute offensively by moving without the ball, cutting toward the basket and taking advantage of open shooting opportunities.
“I think my all-around game will show as the season goes on,” Diallo said, according to BasketUSA. “I can bring a lot of different things. It will depend on what the coaches need me to do.”
Diallo believes his versatility will allow him to contribute in several areas, depending on how Denver’s coaching staff decides to use him.
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“I would say he’s a little like a European coach. He’s very intense. He pushes players, but he also knows how to encourage them.”
