Los Angeles Clippers saw 'special qualities' in Michigan's Moussa Diabate
Michigan basketball big man Moussa Diabate officially transitioned to the professional game this week with the Los Angeles Clippers selecting him in the second round with the No. 43 overall pick. The one-and-done prospect had to earn his way into draft consideration after not appearing on draft boards toward the beginning of the process.
After a big-time showing a the NBA Combine, the raw and athletic big man developed some fans in league front offices. The Clippers were one of them and were happy to get their hands on the moldable piece of play.
“Moussa is a young big with a high motor who runs the floor, crashes the glass and defends multiple positions,” Clippers Director of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank said. “His energy is infectious. We enjoyed getting to know him in the draft process and are excited to grow with him. … He’s a guy that has an unbelievable motor, who has shown the ability to switch and guard multiple positions, and brings a little more athleticism.”
Diabate suffered an ankle injury during the process but still volunteered to work out for any team that would take a look at him. The Clippers initially denied the offer but came around on him during a later workout.
“When we talk about the qualities that we value, it all starts with your actions,” Frank said. “It was just so impressive just to see, on your 21st workout, to be able to bring the same energy and the same intensity that you had in your prior workouts. We saw some special qualities in him.”
What the Michigan product brings to the Los Angeles Clippers
Diabate was a five-star addition for Michigan in 2021 and started 26 of 32 games for the Wolverines. He averaged nine points and six rebounds per game while shooting 52.4% from the floor. Like Houstan, Diabate was also considered a potential lottery prospect, but he looks more likely to come off the board way late, if at all.
“Diabate is a great athlete for his position, but he is not a great basketball player at this stage,” we wrote in a pre-draft profile. “The tools are there, but he has plenty of refinements to make. Finishing around the basket was an issue for him, which is a prerequisite for a big man. Most of the plays he makes are from instinct as opposed to awareness. He is still probably two to three years away from being close to a finished product.”
Diabate was one of two Wolverines selected on draft night. Wing/forward Caleb Houstan was selected in the second round with the No 32 overall pick by the Orlando Magic. Guard Eli Brooks went undrafted, but signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers.
