Hornets head coach Charles Lee reveals team could convert Moussa Diabate's two-way contract

Moussa Diabate may have played his way into an NBA contract.

Oct 17, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Moussa Diabate earned his first start of the season at the power forward position last night. The Charlotte Hornets big man was inserted in place of the injured Miles Bridges, and he responded with a career-high 16 rebounds, seven of which came on the offensive end. After the game, head coach Charles Lee was asked if the Hornets were considering converting his two-way contract.

🎙️ Charles Lee on if there's been any conversations with Jeff Peterson about upgrading Moussa Diabate's two-way contract:

"There's lots of conversations on a daily basis and yes, Moussa is part of some of the conversations."

Nice one, @WalkerMehl. 😏 pic.twitter.com/nKnyDuIQ65

— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) November 22, 2024

Lee said with a smile, "There's lots of conversations on a daily basis, and yes, Moussa is part of some of the conversations." Diabate was buried on the depth chart to begin the season, but injuries to Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and now Bridges have opened the door for more playing time.

Despite the Hornets missing two centers and a power forward, the play of Diabate and Grant Williams was enough to keep the Pistons' big men from truly wreaking havoc in a 123-121 overtime win. Jalen Duren had five points and nine rebounds while Isaiah Stewart added nine points and 13 rebounds.

Diabate's defense has been important this year. His defensive rating of 99.0 leads all players averaging at least 12 minutes per game, and his defensive rebound percentage is a team-high 25.4%. The Hornets currently have three players with two-way contracts, and Diabate is the only one contributing to the NBA team currently. He may soon be on a regular NBA deal as a result.

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