Moussa Diabate won’t provide LA Clippers with much

Although the 2022 NBA Draft has been lauded for its depth and versatility, the LA Clippers were uninterested in joining in on the fun. With only a second-round selection at their disposal, LA refused to make any draft day calls in an effort to move up and snag a more prominent name. Instead, LA stood quietly as countless highly touted prospects were taken off the board.

After waiting nearly four hours, the Clippers found themselves on the clock. The franchise wasted no time in grabbing Moussa Diabate. The former Michigan Wolverine produced meager numbers during his lone season on the collegiate level, averaging 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds on 54.2% from the field.

Desperate to prove that he’ll fit seamlessly on an NBA roster, the 6’11” forward attempted to show off his 3-point stroke during his freshman season. Although his mechanics looked sharp, Diabate struggled to find his rhythm from behind the line, nailing just 21.4% of his 3-point attempts.

Ultimately, LA’s newly minted draft prospect will be much more of a project. Heading into the 2022-23 season, Ty Lue’s bunch, with the return of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, have championship aspirations, making Diabate’s addition inconsequential.

Moussa Diabate will barely see the court for the Clippers next season

All along, LA was never intrigued by the possibility of adding a younger player to a veteran-laden roster. This past season, despite Leonard spending the entirety of the year on the sidelines, nursing a torn ACL, and regardless of George missing 51 games due to torn ligaments in his right elbow, LA scrapped together 42 wins.

As the NBA offseason moves forward, LA is expected to house a fully fit roster. In addition to their two stars returning to the court for the start of training camp, coach Ty Lue will attempt to implement newly acquired bench pieces, Norman Powell and Robert Covington.

Presently, according to oddsmakers, the LA Clippers are viewed amongst the NBA’s upper echelon in terms of their chances to win it all. If LA’s title dreams become a reality, Diabate isn’t likely to play much of a role, if any, in their success.