Coming into the offseason, the Denver Nuggets identified defensive upgrades as one of their primary goals for the 2026-27 season. While they didn't exactly address that issue far and wide, they definitely may have hit the jackpot by stealing away Alpha Diallo from every other team in the league that had a chance to sign the EuroLeague's Best Defender. And it could just be the steal of the season if Diallo's two-way play transfers back across the pond.
Diallo has been playing in the EuroLeague since going undrafted out of Providence in 2021-22. But the 29-year-old rookie represented a low-cost gamble that the Nuggets took, and it's one that could pay off handsomely if the Nuggets aren't afraid to let Diallo play some meaningful minutes.
Diallo's defense could be comparable to the departed Peyton Watson's, and his offense and IQ moving without the ball may just give the Nuggets a better two-way player when playing alongside Nikola Jokic than many may expect.
Diallo could surprise in the Nuggets' offense
Diallo has spent the past six seasons playing for AS Monaco in both the EuroLeague and the Betclic Elite League in France. His high-energy play on defense is what got him the offer from the Nuggets. But the offensive skills he has are tailor-made for the role he'll have in the Nuggets' offense.
Diallo won't be asked to be a primary scorer, obviously. He's only averaged 11.0 points over 312 games for Monaco. But he's a career 36.8% shooter from three, so teams can't just leave him open to double-team anyone. But that's not his strong suit offensively. Not even close.
Diallo excels at moving without the ball and cutting to the rim, where he's an excellent finisher. In fact, in and around the rim is where Diallo does most of his damage. He shot 59.1% from two last season in the EuroLeague, and that number goes up to 66.7% at the rim. He's a strong finisher who generates himself easy layups and dunks. He's exactly the type of slasher that should thrive alongside Jokic, much like Russell Westbrook did two seasons ago.
The transition game should be fun with Diallo and Joker paired up as well. Diallo is quick, and when he gets out on the break, he finishes strong at the rim. Joker should have a few outlet touchdown passes to Diallo this season.
If Diallo puts in the work and his two-way 3-and-D wing game translates to the NBA, he'll be a steal for the Nuggets in 2026-27.
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