Moussa Diabate: The Hornets' Secret Weapon on the Glass
The Charlotte Hornets had high hopes for their center position this season, with Ryan Kalkbrenner expected to be the long-term project. However, Moussa Diabate has emerged as an indispensable force, proving himself night after night with his relentless rebounding efforts.
Diabate's impact is undeniable. Without him, the Hornets wouldn't find themselves in the playoff conversation. While the starters have been instrumental in shaping the team into a contender, Diabate deserves recognition as the engine driving those hustle plays that keep Charlotte competitive.
Master of Second Chances
Diabate's contribution, especially as an undersized big man, lies in his elite rebounding. He's a standout on the offensive glass, pulling down around four offensive boards per game. His 2.7 contested offensive rebounds rank him seventh in the NBA, showcasing his tenacity and value.
Securing those contested rebounds, often with defenders all around, highlights Diabate's relentless energy. Shots near the rim lead to high rates of contested rebounds, making Diabate’s presence crucial for a Hornets team that sometimes struggles with efficient paint scoring.
The payoff is significant. Charlotte leads the league with 19.9 second-chance points per game over the last 15 contests. Diabate's knack for creating extra scoring opportunities is a key reason the Hornets boast a top-five offensive rating this season.
On a Winning Streak
The Hornets are playing exceptional basketball, riding a three-game home winning streak as they prepare to face the Sacramento Kings. Maintaining health is crucial, as an injury to a key player could derail their season. With the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference within reach, just 2.5 games behind Atlanta, the stakes are high.
There's still plenty of basketball left, and anything can happen. But with Diabate’s dominance on the glass, the Hornets are practically assured a spot in the play-in tournament. While he may not grab headlines like other starters, Diabate excels at doing the gritty work that keeps Charlotte in the hunt.