LAS VEGAS -- It’s not just the way that he answers questions to media, approaches his teammates on the floor, hounds an opposing dribbler or confidently glides to the rim. There’s something in the air with Hamidou Diallo - a swagger but not cockiness, an expectation of expanded growth and responsibility but not entitlement.
Diallo seems to take things in stride, with a surehanded approach to all aspects of the NBA experience. When a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit the Las Vegas area on the eve of the Thunder’s first Summer League game, Diallo wasn’t fazed. He finished up his meal at Benihana’s, went back to the hotel and called it a night – prepared for another chance to improve the next day.