4 days Ago By Tyrone Smith, thePeachBasket
In professional sports, injuries can disrupt a team’s plans but also create opportunities for others to step up. For the Charlotte Hornets , injuries at the center position have provided an unexpected chance for Moussa Diabaté to shine. Starting center Mark Williams has yet to play this season, while key backup Nick Richards remains sidelined with a rib fracture .
With both players unavailable, Diabaté has emerged as a surprising contributor. Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, Diabaté had few opportunities to prove himself in the NBA, appearing in just 33 games over two seasons. However, his time in the G-League showcased his potential.
He averaged 17.1 points, 11.1 rebounds (4.
9 offensive), 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 56% from the field and 74% from the free-throw line.
Now, in his first meaningful stretch of NBA minutes, Diabaté is making an impression. Playing 16.1 minutes per game with the Hornets, he’s averaging 7.
3 rebounds, including an impressive 3.0 offensive boards. His relentless effort on the glass has quickly become a talking point for the team.
As the Hornets navigate this challenging stretch, the question is clear: Can Diabaté’s high-energy play solidify his place in the rotation when Williams and Richards return? Let’s dive in. Something To Prove For many athletes, proving their worth is an ongoing challenge, even when they’ve been the top players on every team they’ve played for. Diabaté’s journey is a prime example.
A five-star recruit out of IMG Academy, Diabaté averaged 14 points and seven rebounds in his two seasons, leading his team to a 21-3 record in his senior year. His performance earned him a spot in both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. Diabaté then committed to the University of Michigan in 2020, joining a strong 2021 class alongside fellow five-star recruit Caleb Houstan .
After just one season at Michigan, where he averaged 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds on 54% shooting, Diabaté declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
Diabaté Fits The Play Style At Center Diabaté brings the same athleticism and competitive drive to the Hornets that’s been a hallmark of their bigs. His impact has been immediate, particularly in rebounding. In a recent win over the Milwaukee Bucks, he grabbed 14 rebounds, 10 of which were on the offensive glass.
Over his last five games, Diabaté has averaged 11.8 rebounds, including 5.0 offensive boards per game.
Additionally, Diabaté is proving himself as a rim protector, averaging 2.0 blocks per game during this stretch. His presence in the paint has been a welcome addition for a Hornets team that has struggled in this area.
As Williams and Richards remain sidelined, Diabaté’s relentless play on both ends of the floor not only earns him valuable minutes but also wins him fans in Charlotte. Will Diabaté Continue With Minutes In The Hornets Rotation? Diabaté has seized the opportunity presented by the injuries to Williams and Richards. If he continues to impact games positively, head coach Charles Lee will be hard-pressed to take him off the floor.
The real question is whether Diabaté can maintain his momentum once the Hornets’ centers return. For now, though, the chance is his, and with his current play, it’s a chance he’s likely to keep. In Conclusion Moussa Diabaté’s journey with the Charlotte Hornets shows perseverance and the ability to seize opportunities.
His rebounding and rim protection have sparked the team in Williams and Richards’ absence. If Diabaté continues to impact both ends of the floor, Coach Charles Lee will have a tough decision. His potential is clear, giving him a chance to secure a spot in the Hornets’ future.
What was once a temporary opportunity could turn into a permanent role. Time will tell if his momentum continues, but for now, Diabaté has proven he belongs. This article first appeared on thePeachBasket and was syndicated with permission.
.
