Keita Bates-Diop finished a season in which he participated in 53 games (eight of which he started) for both the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns.
He concluded the season with averages of 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, achieving a shooting percentage of 43.4% from the field and 30.4% from beyond the arc.
During the offseason, Bates-Diop was traded to the New York Knicks.
Feb 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Keita Bates-Diop (13) shoots the ball during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images / Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Nevertheless, Bates-Diop will not play for the Knicks, as Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic has reported that he is part of the trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns.
Via Krawczynski: “Keita Bates-Diop is returning to where it all began. He is included in tonight’s Knicks-Wolves blockbuster trade, according to a source. Bates-Diop was drafted by the Wolves in the second round in 2018.”
Keita Bates-Diop is coming back to where it all started. He is being included in tonight’s Knicks-Wolves blockbuster, a source said. Bates
Diop was selected by the Wolves during the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) September 28, 2024
Bates-Diop, who was picked 48th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, hails from Ohio State.
Throughout his six-season career, he has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, and Denver Nuggets.
Jan 24, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Keita Bates-Diop (21) executes a dunk during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
His career stats show an average of 6.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 47.4% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc in 283 regular season games.
Additionally, he participated in five NBA playoff matches with the Nuggets during the 2020 season.
Here’s the Timberwolves cap sheet following the trade.
A few points of interest:
▶️ Currently, there are 16 players on the roster; one will need to be released. It is likely that another transaction is on the horizon since either Keita Bates-Diop or P.J. Dozier may have a brief tenure in Minnesota.
▶️ The Wolves will save approximately… pic.twitter.com/woWqT1LMTr
— Tim Garrison (@TimGarrisonMN) September 28, 2024
Shams Charania from The Athletic shared further details about the trade.
According to Charania: “The Knicks are transferring salary —
Sources indicate that the Knicks are sending salary — which includes DaQuan Jeffries — along with draft compensation to Charlotte as part of a three-team deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle, according to me and @JonKrawczynski.
Knicks are sending salary — including DaQuan Jeffries — and draft compensation to Charlotte in three-team Karl-Anthony Towns/Julius Randle deal, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. https://t.co/dP4x8dTvr9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2024
The Timberwolves will kick off their season on October 22 against the Los Angeles Lakers in California.
Keita Bates-Diop Returns to Minnesota: A Look at His Career Journey and Recent Trade
Overview of Keita Bates-Diop’s Career
Keita Bates-Diop, the talented forward, has made significant strides in his basketball career since his collegiate days at Ohio State University. Known for his versatility and strong defensive skills, Bates-Diop has established himself as a reliable player in the NBA. His career journey is marked by various milestones, trades, and improvements, making him a player to watch in the upcoming seasons.
College Career at Ohio State
- Breakout Season: Bates-Diop had a standout junior year in 2017-2018, averaging 19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
- Awards: His impressive performance earned him the Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus All-American selection.
- Impact on Team: He led the Buckeyes to the NCAA tournament, solidifying his status as a top prospect for the NBA Draft.
NBA Draft and Early Career
Bates-Diop was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the 48th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. His transition to the NBA was promising, showcasing his potential as a key contributor.
- Rookie Season: In his first year, he averaged 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds, gaining valuable experience on the court.
- Development: Over the following seasons, he honed his skills and became a fan favorite due to his work ethic and determination.
Recent Trade to the Knicks
In July 2024, Bates-Diop was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the New York Knicks. This trade marked a significant shift in his career, and it has generated a lot of interest among fans and analysts alike.
Details of the Trade
| Team | Player Involved | Trade Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nets | Keita Bates-Diop | July 10, 2024 |
| New York Knicks | Draft Considerations | July 10, 2024 |
Impact on the Knicks
Bates-Diop’s arrival in New York is expected to enhance the Knicks’ roster, providing them with additional depth and versatility. His ability to play both forward positions allows for greater tactical flexibility.
- Defensive Strength: Known for his defensive prowess, Bates-Diop will likely strengthen the Knicks’ defensive unit.
- Scoring Ability: His scoring capability adds another threat on the offensive end, complementing stars like Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
Career Statistics and Contributions
Throughout his career, Keita Bates-Diop has shown consistent improvement in various statistical categories. Below is a summary of his career statistics:
| Season | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game</th |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 0.8 |
| 2019-2020 | 5.8 | 3.2 | 1.0 |
| 2020-2021 | 10.0 | 4.7 | 1.5 |
| 2021-2022 | 7.5 | 3.4 | 1.2 |
| 2022-2023 | 9.8 | 4.0 | 1.1 |
Player Comparisons and Market Value
In the current NBA landscape, player comparisons often help gauge where a player stands among their peers. Bates-Diop’s skill set has been likened to other versatile forwards who excel both offensively and defensively.
Comparative Analysis
- Similar Players: Bates-Diop has drawn comparisons to players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jae Crowder due to their shared ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
- Market Value: His value in the market has risen since the trade, with many analysts predicting that he will continue to develop and potentially secure a long-term role in the Knicks’ lineup.
Benefits of Keita Bates-Diop’s Return to Minnesota
Returning to Minnesota offers Bates-Diop unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are some potential benefits:
- Familiar Environment: Returning to a familiar setting can enhance a player’s confidence and performance.
- Team Chemistry: Bates-Diop already has a history with the Timberwolves, which may help him integrate faster into the team’s systems.
- Fan Support: The support from Minnesota fans can provide motivation, as seen in his previous stint with the team.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Bates-Diop?
As Keita Bates-Diop embarks on this new chapter with the Knicks, fans and analysts are eager to see how he will evolve as a player. His contributions will be crucial as the team aims for playoff contention in the upcoming NBA season. The combination of his skill set, experience, and the support of the coaching staff will be essential for his success.
