Detroit Pistons Wing Suffers Likely Season-Ending Injury

Another tough injury break for the Detroit Pistons this week, as one of their top players from the second unit has picked up a likely season-ending ankle injury. The team has announced that wing Hamidou Diallo suffered a Grade 2 right ankle sprain in Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. 

The swingman has been a source of energy off the bench for the Pistons, and his presence in the rotation will certainly be missed. He won't be re-evaluated for at least 3-to-4 weeks, near the end of the regular season. The big question now is: has he played his last game in the Motor City?

With Hamidou Diallo missing 3-4 weeks, there's a chance he's played his final game in Detroit since he'll be an unrestricted FA. Averaged 11.8 points, four rebounds and 1.3 steals on 61.8% shooting (19.9 min) since Dec. 20.

Pistons got him for Svi Mykhailiuk and a 2027 2nd.

— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) March 7, 2023

As noted by Pistons beat writer Omari Sankofa II, Diallo will become an unrestricted free agent after the season, and there's a chance they won't be bringing him back. He's finishing up a 2-year, $10M contract, but rumors around the league have him being able to command up to $10M per year on a deal this summer. That just might be too rich for the Pistons. 

"When he comes in... the game changes and [we'll miss] his energy offensively and defensively, his rebounding," said head coach Dwane Casey. "He increases the speed of the game, pushing the ball down the floor. He brings so much energy to the game. That’s what we’ll miss."

Diallo has been especially strong over the last 2 ½ months since becoming a permanent member of the rotation, averaging 11.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals on 61.8% shooting in about 20 minutes per game since Dec. 20.

Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports