The Charlotte Hornets have officially converted Moussa Diabaté’s two-way contract into a standard three-year NBA deal. This move secures his place in Charlotte and highlights his growing importance to the team. However, the Hornets now face a potential frontcourt logjam, especially with Mark Williams staying put after a failed trade to the Lakers.
Hornets Have A Bigs ‘Problem’ After Moussa Diabaté News
Diabate’s Impact and Why He Earned a Standard Deal
Diabate has quickly risen from a depth signing to a key contributor. His numbers—4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game—may not wow casuals, but his impact extends beyond the box score. His energy, rebounding, and defensive presence have made him invaluable.
His relentless motor turns 50/50 balls into 60/40 advantages for Charlotte. His wingspan and timing allow him to disrupt opponents defensively. According to Cleaning the Glass, Charlotte’s win 23 more games when he’s on the court, placing him in the 92nd percentile among NBA players. Their defensive rating improves by -6.5 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, a 91st percentile mark.
Diabate’s contract is also a bargain. He will count for only 0.55% of this year’s salary cap and 1.47% ($2.27 million) of next year’s cap. Given his production, he could fetch second-round picks in a trade, but the Hornets may prefer to keep him as a valuable asset on a team-friendly deal.
Mark Williams’ Return Complicates the Rotation
The Lakers’ failed trade for Williams has created an unexpected dilemma for Charlotte. If the trade had gone through, Moussa Diabaté would have likely seen an expanded role on the Hornets. Instead, Williams remains in Charlotte, making the frontcourt rotation more complicated.
Before his trade, Williams was Charlotte’s starting center. His return will likely push Diabate back to a bench role. However, that bench is more crowded than before, as the Hornets also acquired Jusuf Nurkic at the trade deadline. This sudden influx of big men raises questions about playing time distribution.
A Crowded Frontcourt Creates Roster Decisions
With Williams, Moussa Diabaté, and Nurkic all needing minutes, the Hornets may have to make tough roster decisions. Veteran Taj Gibson has provided leadership, but at 39 years old, he is not be a long-term piece. His spot on the roster could be in jeopardy if the team prioritizes developing younger players like Isaiah Wong and KJ Simpson. They are both on two-way contracts at the moment. It remains to be seen if the Hornets have the appetite to convert their contracts.
Charlotte went from having a thin frontcourt to an overcrowded one in a matter of days. Balancing minutes among these players will be a challenge for head coach Charles Lee.
What’s Next for Moussa Diabaté on the Hornets?
Diabate’s energy and defensive impact ensure he will have a role, even with a crowded rotation. However, his path to a starting spot has become murkier. If Charlotte commits to Williams and Nurkic as their main centers, Diabate may have to settle for backup minutes.
Regardless of his role, one thing is certain—Diabate will bring hustle, defensive intensity, and value far beyond his modest contract. Charlotte may have a frontcourt surplus, but that’s a good problem to have.
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