What about Moussa Diabate? How can Charles Lee keep him in the rotation?

Moussa Diabate was arguably the star of the Charlotte Hornets’ first 15 games. Forced into action due to numerous injuries early on, Diabate showcased his elite rebounding and ability to harass and disrupt opposing bigs. Now that the aforementioned injured big men (with the exception of Grant Williams) are back, Diabate doesn’t play as big of a role. He’s arguably earned the right to stay in the rotation, but how can Charles Lee do that effectively?

At least for the immediate future, Mark Williams is on a minutes restriction. For now, these minutes can go to Moussa Diabate. Once Williams, an extremely talented center, is freed from suspension and Nick Richards is also playing significant minutes, Diabate can move to the power forward position.

Miles Bridges usually starts there, but Diabate can play in his absence. He’s only 6-foot-1, so he’s not too tall to move down a spot and give the Hornets a big lineup. However, with Bridges back, Diabate will lose some more playing time. However, if the Hornets want a truly big lineup, the inverse of small-ball, there are options.

This lineup, if healthy, could have LaMelo Ball at the point guard spot, with Brandon Miller, Bridges, Diabate and either Williams or Richards. This gives them incredible height and length at every point. Lee will have to get creative, but Diabate’s defensive prowess as well as his size and stature make him an ideal player to slot into various spots on the field.

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