How good can Alpha Diallo be for the Denver Nuggets?
The Denver Nuggets have been searching for defense in the past few seasons as their offense has ranked at the top of the league, but their defense has been the worst among playoff teams.
After Jaden McDaniels called out everyone on the team for being a bad defender during the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets went to the EuroLeague to try to find a point-of-attack defender who could prevent ball handlers from easily getting to the rim.
Enter Alpha Diallo.
Diallo was undrafted in 2022, but went to the Greek League and then the EuroLeague, spending last season playing with Monaco.
He helped lead Monaco to the finals in 2024-24 and was the top scorer in the Final Four. In 2026, he was named the EuroLeague Best Defender and was the steals leader.
He signed a one-year deal with the Nuggets in the offseason.
David Adelman Praises Diallo
Speaking after the opening of training camp, Nuggets head coach David Adelman had high praise for Diallo.
"He can guard. He's got a special skill. He doesn’t get screened,” he said. "I think offensively he's been impressive. Kind of like Spencer, he knows where to be at the right time.”
Diallo was brought in for his defensive game, but contributing offensively is how he could end up staying on the floor.
He’s a career 36% three-point shooter overseas, shooting 33% in the EuroLeague and 35% in LNB Elite from deep last season.
While he might not space the floor, he could be a positive as a screener and cutter, which is where Spencer Jones excels. Passing lanes are always open with Nikola Jokic on the floor; it’s up to Diallo to find them.
What To Expect
While Diallo was brought in to help out the defense, the Nuggets’ defense has been a weak point, and even if he’s good as a one-on-one defender, it won’t matter if the chain around him breaks.
That’s why it’s important for him to contribute offensively, which is where Denver shines. As good as their offense is, they can’t afford to play four-on-five unless his defense is trulyAll-Defensive level and boosts Denver’s defense into the top half of the league.
The Nuggets have a strong group of wings, and Diallo will likely play at the shooting guard position as he’s a bit undersized for a forward spot and Denver lacks depth at the guard position.
If Diallo is as good as they hope, the Nuggets are a different team than people expect.
