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Hamady N'Diaye confirmed on Sunday that he has officially made the Sacramento Kings roster as the regular season opens. The Kings came into training camp with 14 players under guaranteed contracts. Maximum roster size is 15, and many teams like to carry only 13 or 14 into the season. But Sacramento has opted for a full crew by keeping N'Diaye.
N'Diaye is the team's sole 7-footer. Age 26, he has only 83 career NBA minutes, all with the Wizards. He made 34 appearances in the D-League as well, and spent four years at Rutgers, where he was an excellent shotblocker. He has also played in China. N'Diaye has a reputation as a terrifically nice guy and a really hard worker. In comments Michael Malone has made during the preseason, that's what he's credited to N'Diaye.
Here's what N'Diaye posted on his Instagram:
It's finally official... "Hard Work" is not even enough of a statement to explain how I made it happen. For those of you that know me, I don't have to tell or explain the grind and hustle I put myself in on a daily basis. It's not about talking about it all the time to me, it's a lifestyle. I been blessed with another opportunity and I'm more than grateful for it, but it also makes me even hungrier. The work is just starting for me. Blessed to be in my own shoes!! Special thanks to the Sacramento Kings front office, Coach Malone and the coaching staff and my teammates. Will always give it all I got!! #SACRAMENTOKINGS #KINGS3.0 #Team55
Like I said: terrifically nice guy. Congratulations to Hamady.