Basketball: Khalifa Diop finally joins the Cleveland Cavaliers

Four years after being selected in the NBA Draft, Khalifa Diop will finally realize his American dream. The 24-year-old Senegalese center has signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the franchise that drafted him in 2022.

Selected 39th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Senegalese center signed a four-year contract estimated at $9.26 million. According to HoopsHype, only his first year, valued at $1.36 million, is fully guaranteed.

The Cavaliers are already familiar with the Senegalese player. At the time of his selection, Khalifa Diop was playing for Gran Canaria, and Cleveland had regained his NBA rights. He then had the opportunity to wear the franchise's jersey during the 2023 Summer League. In three games, he averaged 4 points and 8 rebounds.

After his first experience across the Atlantic, Khalifa Diop chose to continue his development in Europe. He notably spent three seasons with Baskonia, where he played in the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague.

Last season, the Guéreo native (Mbour Department) averaged around 4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 17 minutes per game, with a remarkable 69% shooting efficiency. These are still modest statistics, but they primarily reflect a player whose physical and defensive qualities could be invaluable.

With his height (2.11 meters), his rebounding prowess, and his athleticism, Diop possesses the profile to be a force in the paint and protect the rim. In Cleveland, he will now have the opportunity to take his game to the next level and compete against the best players in the world.

After four years of waiting since his selection in the Draft, Khalifa Diop is finally nearing his goal: the Senegalese center is preparing to officially discover the NBA in the colors of the Cavaliers.

Babacar SENE