Playing mainly in the G League since the start of the season, Frenchie Moussa Diabaté has seen his name called by Clippers coach Tyronn Lue in the last two Clippers games. An opportunity seized with both hands by the rookie, encouraged by a certain… Kawhi Leonard.
A few days ago, on the floor of the Blazers, we had the good surprise to see Moussa Diabaté come into play in the last seconds of the third quarter. With the various sores affecting the Clippers franchise and in particular the Kawhi Leonard – Paul George duo, thehe Frenchman selected in the second round of the last Draft had his chance, coach Tyronn Lue deciding to put in some new blood while his team was well dominated by Portland. As a result, Moussa was so impactful that he never came out once more.
With his energy, his dynamism, his presence on the rebound and his carefree attitude, the Michigan alum actually helped the Clippers pull off a magnificent comeback to finally win 118-112. Enough to gain the confidence of his coach, who logically gave him minutes from the next match once morest Jazz, in which Diabaté once once more ensured with 11 points and 8 rebounds (including 6 offensive) at 4/8 shooting and 3/3 on free throws. Suffice to say that the young Frenchie was ready when needed, and somewhere it may be thanks to Kawhi Leonard.
While Moussa Diabate was grinding in the G-League, he said Kawhi Leonard told him: “Your turn is gonna come, young fella.” pic.twitter.com/e5GsiZBTXw
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 2, 2022
“Your turn will come young man. »
We know that Kawhi doesn’t talk much, but when you have the best player in the franchise saying that to you while you’re fighting in the G League, it’s bound to boost you. And today it is reflected on the NBA floors.
Full profile of Moussa Diabaté
Playing on the positions 4-5, Moussa Diabaté has the advantage of evolving in a team which does not have a crazy depth in the racket behind the pivot holder Ivica Zubac. Another advantage, his profile is clearly different from Zu’s since Diabaté is more of an energizer with good athletic qualities, good mobility, an interesting ability to switch in defense, all that while being able to cross the field with long strides. For a Clippers team that needs this kind of player, it’s very positive.
Go ahead, rook ???? pic.twitter.com/434yAqjk2k
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 1, 2022
It remains to be seen now if Moussa Diabaté will keep a role off the bench with the returns of Kawhi and Paul George, who might return tonight once morest Sacramento. With the two superstars back in the five, Terance Mann and Amir Coffey (holders in recent games) will return to the bench and this will give Tyronn Lue additional possibilities in terms of rotation (especially small ball), even if on the position 5 doesn’t change much. According to the latest rumors, Moussa might return to the G League following this meeting once morest the Kings to really get some playing time, even if nothing is set in stone.
Whatever happens in the end, Moussa seized the opportunity that presented itself to him. And that’s how you get a place among the greats.
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Source text: @joeylinn
