Yakhouba

Diawara

Diawara played for the Heat from 2008 to 2010 before leaving the NBA for Europe. He’s worked out for the Heat in the past but didn’t end up with a contract. Most likely, they’ll audition Diawara to see if he’s worth a nonguaranteed contract and a shot in training camp.

Diawara’s deal is no guaranteed, however, so he’s not a lock to stick with the Grizzlies. Even if the 33-year-old sticks with Memphis, he won’t see enough playing time to warrant a spot on fantasy rosters.

Additionally, the team has brought in Yakhouba Diawara, Ryan Hollins, Michael Holyfield and Lazeric Jones for camp. None are likely for the final roster.

The Grizzlies are down to 16 players with Ryan Hollins.

“There’s not a lot of time right now (before the opener), but now I think we can get away with more of a defensive-minded player, and (Diawara’s) probably our best defender,” said Karl, who started Diawara at shooting guard Tuesday. Chucky Atkins, Bobby Jones and Linas Kleiza are all in the running for the job and all could end up starting at some point during the season.

Yakhouba Diawara started, but missed all five of his shots, giving Kleiza a bit of an edge to win the starting shooting guard job for Denver. He hit just 4-of-11 shots and a three on the night, could be the opening-night starter. Don’t draft him, but keep your eye on him.

That opens up a spot at the two and it seems to be a race between Bobby Jones and Linas Kleiza, while J.R. Smith and Yakhouba Diawara. George Karl could also choose to start Carmelo Anthony at the 2, sliding Eduardo Najera (who has looked great in his two games) over to small forward. As you can see, there are plenty of questions to be answered in Denver, but we’re not sure any of the 2-guards not named “Melo” will have much value either way.

Kenyon Martin is sidelined tonight as Yakhouba Diawara got the start in his absence. The Nuggets play three times in Week 9 so unless he suffers a setback tonight, Camby should be starting during Christmas time.

If this move sticks, it could hurt Iverson’s assist numbers while providing little to no increase in points. The move also ruins Diawara’s fantasy appeal while giving Wilks an outside chance of maintaining some value, at least until Chucky Atkins returns.

In his second season, Diawara is improving, but won’t be a marquee scorer as much as a stubborn defender. He is not worthy of fantasy roster spot considering all of the other scoring options on the Nuggets.