Our exit interview series on the 2023 Clippers continues with rookie big man Moussa Diabate.
Basic Information
Height: 6’10
Weight: 220 pounds
Position: Center/Power Forward
Age: 21
Years in NBA: 1
Key NBA Stats: 2.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 8.9 minutes per game across 22 games played (1 start) on 51.1/50/62.5 (0.1 3PA, 0.7 FTA attempts) shooting splits (54.6 True Shooting)
G-League Stats: 16.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks in 32.3 minutes per game across 33 games played (regular season + showcase cup) on 57/64.1 shooting splits (0-5 on threes)
Expectations
As a rookie mid-2nd round pick on a two-way deal, expectations for Moussa Diabate to contribute much to a supposed championship contender were low. However, as the Clippers entered training camp with Ivica Zubac as the only big man on a full NBA deal and Moses Brown on a non-guaranteed contract, it was also reasonable to think Moussa would really get some minutes throughout the season. A raw player, Moussa was expected to provide energy, rebounding, and some potentially switchable defense with minimal offensive contributions in the minutes he did receive in the NBA, with most of his playing time coming in the G-League.
Reality
Even with Moussa Diabate being a raw 20-year-old rookie on a two-way deal, I’m a bit surprised at how little he played considering the 2023 Clippers only had Zu and Moses Brown as big men until the trade for Mason Plumlee at the deadline. Moussa had two mini stretches where he was in the rotation ahead of Brown (and Robert Covington), a three-game stint from November 29 to December 3, and two games on December 15 and 17. He actually produced decently in those games, especially as a rebounder, but his rawness on offense and inability to defend true centers meant the Clippers couldn’t trust him in the rotation.
The G-League was a whole different story. Moussa played extensively in Ontario, helping the G-League Clippers win the Showcase Cup tournament in the early part of the season and ultimately earning All-Rookie 1st Team and All G League 3rd Team honors. His numbers in the G League aren’t extraordinary, but the rebounding, especially offensive (5 per game!), stands out, as do the steal and block numbers and even assists. Moussa was a very helpful and impactful player in the G-League – the question now is whether he can translate that to the NBA level.
Future with Clippers
Moussa is signed for another season on a two-way deal, which means the Clippers don’t have a lot invested in him, but also means that he has no trade value as a contract and is not taking a valuable full roster spot. Even if the Clippers lost faith in Moussa like they did in previous big man picks Mfiondu Kabengele and Daniel Oturu (and there’s no evidence that they have), there’s really no point in trading him or cutting him at this stage. Therefore, even though he’s not a top 15 player on the roster, his spot is actually one of the more secure on the Clippers heading into the 2024 season. Of course, beyond that is a total question mark, but it would actually be a bit surprising to see him elsewhere until next summer.
