If you’ve been following the NBA over the last few years, you know the name Keita Bates-Diop. Or maybe you don't. He's one of those guys who has basically lived in the "transaction" section of the sports page lately. Honestly, keeping track of where he’s playing is a full-time job.
One day he’s a key rotation piece for the Spurs, the next he’s part of a massive blockbuster trade for Karl-Anthony Towns. It’s wild. But if you look closely at Keita Bates-Diop stats, you see a player who has consistently carved out a niche as a high-IQ, "Swiss Army Knife" forward, even when the box score doesn't scream superstar.
The Numbers Behind the Journeyman Narrative
Let’s talk about the reality of his career. Keita isn't going to give you 25 points a night. He never has. But in the 2022-23 season with the San Antonio Spurs, we saw what happens when he actually gets consistent run. He averaged a career-high 9.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
More importantly, he shot nearly 40% from three-point range (39.4% to be exact) that year. For a 6'8" guy with a 7'3" wingspan, that kind of floor spacing is gold.
Then things got weird.
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After signing with Phoenix, he was supposed to be a defensive anchor next to KD and Beal. It didn't quite click. He averaged 4.5 points in limited minutes before being shipped to Brooklyn, and eventually, the wheels fell off a bit due to a nagging shin injury. By the time 2025 rolled around, he found himself waived by Minnesota—the team that originally drafted him back in 2018.
Keita Bates-Diop Stats: Breaking Down the Impact
When people search for Keita Bates-Diop stats, they usually want to know if he’s actually good or just a body on the floor. The answer is in the efficiency.
Take his legendary game on December 23, 2021. Playing for the Spurs against the Lakers, he went 11-of-11 from the field. He finished with 30 points and 7 rebounds. That doesn't happen by accident. It showed a player who knows how to cut, how to find the soft spots in a defense, and how to finish when the opportunity arises.
His career averages tell a story of a "glue guy":
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- Points: 6.0 PPG
- Rebounds: 3.0 RPG
- Field Goal Percentage: 47.4%
- Three-Point Percentage: 33.3%
He’s basically the definition of a low-usage, high-reliability asset. He won't lose you the game by taking bad shots. He’s there to play defense, grab a couple of boards, and hit the corner three when the stars get doubled.
What’s He Doing Now?
As of early 2026, the playing career has taken a back seat to a new chapter. After a brief stint overseas with the Qingdao Eagles in the CBA—where he averaged 3.7 points in very limited action—Keita has transitioned into a coaching role.
It makes sense.
He’s currently an assistant coach for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League. If you can't play the game at the highest level anymore due to those recurring leg issues, the next best thing is teaching it. His "player's coach" vibe is already getting rave reviews.
The move to the sidelines is sort of bittersweet for fans who remember him winning Big Ten Player of the Year at Ohio State. He was a monster back then, averaging 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds. But the NBA is a different beast. Injuries—specifically that fractured tibia in 2024—really sapped some of that lateral quickness that made him such a versatile defender.
Why NBA Front Offices Kept Calling
Even when his scoring dipped, teams like the Knicks and Timberwolves kept trading for him. Why? Because of his "stocks" (steals + blocks). In his prime defensive years, he was averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per 36 minutes.
He could guard four positions. In a league that craves switchability, Keita was a dream.
He played for:
- Minnesota (twice)
- Denver
- San Antonio
- Phoenix
- Brooklyn
That’s a lot of jerseys. But it also means five different coaching staffs saw enough value in his tape to bring him into the locker room.
The Wrap-Up on Keita's Legacy
Looking at Keita Bates-Diop stats today is a lesson in perspective. He didn't become an All-Star. He didn't sign a $100 million contract. But he played nearly 300 games in the toughest league on earth, stayed professional through six trades, and reinvented himself as a coach before he even hit 30.
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If you’re a young player, look at his San Antonio tape. Don't look at the PPG. Look at how he moves without the ball. That’s how you stay in the league for seven years.
Next Step for You: If you're tracking active players with similar "utility" profiles, keep an eye on the G League call-ups this season. Many of the guys Keita is currently coaching are trying to replicate his path of being the ultimate "glue guy" who can fix a broken rotation.