esqtvd wrote:Diabate averaged 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 27.1 minutes per game across two appearances. Nothing to write home about, you might say, but the Clippers big man showed significant promise early for someone who has been touted as a developmental player. In a few instances, Diabate showed some nice touch and knack for finding the ball.
I am cautiously optimistic about Diabate. He looks like he will be able to defend at NBA level (I didn’t think the same of Fi or Oturu), which means he’s got a much better chance of sticking and eventually contributing to some degree. Of course, that could mean end of bench/situational role player, but even that would be reasonable for his draft position.
If he became a energetic plus defender with versatility, and an effective rebounder and rim runner on offense that would be gold IMO.
