Until two months ago, he was unknown to the general public. But Moussa Diabaté is forcing his destiny. Taking advantage of Mark Williams' long-term injury, the Frenchman (2.11 m, 97 kg) is doing better than getting playing time in the Charlotte Hornets' racket. He played every match this season, averaging 20 minutes of playing time.
So much so that the franchise could consider reevaluating its contract. Signed in two-wayhe is supposed to shuttle between the NBA team and the G-League team (Lower League), not being able to play more than 50 games in the big league. Except he ruins the house.
One night with ten offensive rebounds: “he’s phenomenal”
“Here, I am living my dream. Being on the NBA floor, playing against the best players in the world. I had the opportunity to express myself. There are plenty of players on the bench who could do things if given the opportunity.”recently entrusted the interior to beIN SPORTS.
READ ALSO. From words to actions: how Tidjane Salaün seduced the NBA
While he was showing his nose at the very start of the season, he has just had three high-flying weeks, benefiting from more playing time. Since the start of the season, he has an average of 8.4 rebounds , 3.4 points and 1 block. But these statistics do not tell the full capacity of the interior.
He has just achieved the best performances of his career: one evening with 10 offensive rebounds (14 in total) and 12 points against Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks, a match with 16 rebounds and three interceptions against Detroit, or even 4 blocks the same evening in Orlando.
Son coach, Charles Lee : “He’s hungry!” Hunger for the game, for competition, hunger for offensive rebounds. I love his tenacity on both ends of the floor. Basketball usually rewards you when you play with that energy and attitude. He understood everything we were doing and his competitive spirit was contagious for the entire team. He is phenomenal! »
On social networks, some have fun and exaggerate the culture of the moment, drawing daring parallels with Dennis Rodman, the former Chicago Bulls player, exceptional rebounder and defender but little interested in putting a lot of baskets. Because if Moussa Diabaté does not shine with his offensive qualities, he slips into the interior who count and know how to defend very, very well. What was not won in the Frenchman's journey.
Left at 14, drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers
He started playing basketball at « 11, 12 ans »says the person concerned, before joining USD Charonne in Paris then Charenton in Val-de-Marne. About to join the Pôle Île-de-France, his academic results work against him. So he packs his bags and leaves. At 14, he flew to the United States, where he had a few touches. “It was an adventure!” I don't regret it. Even if I wasn't in the NBA, I would say that. It’s been a warrior’s journey. »
A path that began at the Montverde Academy, a program that saw Joel Embiid pass through for example. Despite a complicated start on a human level, the person who learned English on the job perfected his game and joined the IMG Academy as a junior. During high school, he was selected to participate in prestigious competitions which brought together the best young people in the country, a fantastic showcase.
READ ALSO. Who is the young Hansel Emmanuel, arm amputee and who dreams of dunking in the NBA?
Known as a hard worker, he joined Michigan in the NCAA for his first university year. He entered the 2022 draft and was chosen by the Los Angeles Clippers in 43e position.
He will stay two seasons in the franchise where Nicolas Batum and James Harden play. But will remain discreet. In two years in California, he only appeared 33 times, mostly for uninteresting match purposes. Most of the time, he plays in the G-League with the “reserve” team. Where it shines.
In the summer of 2024, he shows up in the Summer League, with big defensive efforts. He is not kept by the Clippers, but the Charlotte franchise, which is plucked in its interior sector, sets its sights on the Frenchman. The rest is known.
If the sample is still small to make him one of the future big interiors of the NBA, Moussa Diabaté nevertheless puts his name at the top of the poster. If he continues to have such a big defensive impact and proves that he can score a few points, he will not be very far from the France team, which he knew as a youth. “The French team is always an honor. It excites me. It’s incredible”he confided to beIN SPORTSNBA broadcaster in France. Despite a lot of internal competition among the Blues, this Diabaté has some great assets. And a trajectory that taught him to elbow.
