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Alpha Diallo Makes Strong First Impression as Denver Nuggets Debut Earns Praise Alpha Diallo has made an encouraging start to life with the Denver Nuggets, with head coach David Adelman quickly taking notice of the forward’s defensive intensity during his first preseason appearance. Diallo featured for 13 minutes in Denver’s opening preseason game against the Utah Jazz. Although he finished with just two points, three rebounds and two assists, his contribution went well beyond the box score. The former AS Monaco standout particularly impressed on the defensive end, where his ability to stay in front of opponents and compete aggressively immediately stood out. Adelman praised the effort Diallo showed after the game, highlighting the defensive work he produced during the second half. The 29-year-old arrived in Denver with a reputation as one of the best defensive players in European basketball. During the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with Monaco, Diallo averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He was also named the EuroLeague Best Defender in 2026. His defensive ability was one of the main reasons the Nuggets brought him back to his hometown. Denver had been looking for more perimeter defence, and Diallo’s ability to defend the ball, navigate screens and create pressure could give the team another valuable option in its rotation. However, his offensive development could be equally important. Adelman has already praised Diallo’s positioning and movement without the ball, suggesting that he can contribute even when he is not handling possession. His cutting ability and willingness to run the floor could work particularly well alongside Nikola Jokić. Diallo also brings respectable shooting ability from his time overseas, having made 36.8 percent of his international three-point attempts. That gives Denver another dimension if opponents choose to leave him open on the perimeter. The Nuggets signed Diallo to a one-year NBA contract after he spent five seasons with Monaco. The move represents his first NBA opportunity after establishing himself as an important two-way player in European basketball. His first preseason outing was only a small sample, but the early signs are promising. If Diallo continues to defend with the same intensity while providing reliable movement and spacing on offense, he could force his way into a more important role for Denver. For a player making his NBA debut at 29, Diallo appears determined to prove that his success in Europe can translate to the highest level of basketball.