Moussa Diabate has been an absolute gem for the Charlotte Hornets these past two seasons, proving himself as one of the most consistent players on the roster. It’s a huge deal for the Hornets, who are desperately in need of a true center to play alongside their promising perimeter guys as they usher in a new era. With LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges making their exits via trades, it’s all about the future, and thankfully, Diabate is firmly part of that plan.
Thibodeau’s Cold Reality Check Before the Draft
It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Diabate, who struggled early on to stick in the NBA. This dude was a consensus five-star recruit back in 2021, but after a pretty modest collegiate year with Michigan in the 2021-22 season, he decided to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft. Unfortunately for him, he heard his name called way down at 43rd overall. Turns out, he actually got some heavy-hitting advice before the draft from none other than former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau during a workout. Thibodeau saw the raw potential, for sure, but he also saw that Diabate was, well, raw. He told Diabate straight up, “You know if you would have stayed at Michigan you would have been a 1st rounder.” Ouch! Diabate’s reaction? He told the “Make it to Midnight” podcast he thought, “Yeah, maybe, I don’t know.” But Thibodeau didn’t stop there, adding, “But you know by making that decision you probably took the hardest path.” That’s the kind of brutal honesty that sticks with you.
From Raw Prospect to Reliable NBA Player
When Thibodeau dropped that truth bomb, Diabate realized this was no joke. He said it was like, “okay, I get it, this is no joke, I really have to take it seriously.” He knew what was ahead was going to be hard, and he had to be ready. He didn’t follow Thibodeau’s advice to stay in college, which, in hindsight, might have been the smart play to hone his game. But hey, it’s hard to fault a guy for chasing his dream. And chase it he did, having to work extra hard to prove himself in his early career. Now, he’s shown he’s a reliable NBA player, which is awesome for the Hornets. They’ve been busy, addressing the real reasons behind those LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges trades. GM Jeff Peterson was honest about Ball’s departure, and the team seems to be getting along great, according to Coby White. Brandon Miller is already getting realistic about what to expect from the Hornets in the upcoming 2026-27 season, and Dennis Schroder is loving what he’s seen from new teammate Hannes Steinbach. The Hornets are looking at a future where Diabate is a key piece, and that’s something fans can definitely look forward to!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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