What a Former Michigan Center Has to Do to Take the Next Step with the Hornets
As training camp and preseason games get underway in the NBA, one of the most intriguing competitions for the Charlotte Hornets is the battle at the center position. Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Moussa Diabate are all vying for minutes at the “five” position, but it is Diabate who has intrigued Hornets fans the most due to his play last season in the Queen City. The former Michigan center dominated in the paint last season and was a force getting rebounds, whether it was offensive or defensive. Diabate was always near the ball. However, fans and members of the Hornets organization want to see the former five-star recruit take the next step in his career, and hopefully, if he does, he can supplant his flag as the long-term center for the Hornets. Yet, how does he do that? Let’s dive in!
Diabate is a high motor big. As mentioned above, he is relentless on the boards and generates second and third opportunities for the Hornets. The player's nickname, “The Moose,” impressed the coaches with his hustle plays and overall play in the paint. However, for all his contributions on the court, the one aspect of his game that is lacking is his outside shot. The Moose does not have a long-range shot and has reportedly refused to adapt his game to add that skillset to his repertoire. Diabate shot a total of six shots outside the paint last season and missed all six of those shots. By refusing to pick up an outside shot, the former Michigan center is limiting his skillset. If he did pick up a long-range shot, then that would put another shooter on the floor that could open up more space for other players, such as LaMelo Ball.
Next season will tell Hornets fans if the Moose will be their starting center going forward. Improving his shooting touch would go a long way in extending his NBA career. Most big men in today’s game are three-level scorers and don't have to rely on their size and strength in the paint to dominate the game. His energy and hustle on both ends of the floor can only take him so far, but if he decides to add a long-distance shot and he consistently makes them, then Diabate will be one of the next young players to watch out for. Learning a new skill is always important, and Moussa Diabate must take this next step in his offensive game so that he can become a vital part of this Hornets rebuild.
