The LA Clippers have agreed to a two-way contract with 21 year old center Moussa Diabate. The agreement was first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, and a source confirmed the deal to AllClippers.
A source also revealed to AllClippers that Diabate had strong interest from the New York Knicks, but the Clippers still see him as part of their future, and made sure to keep him in their organization. While there isn't currently a direct path to minutes for Diabate at the NBA level, with both Ivica Zubac and Mason Plumlee occupying the team's two center positions, the Clippers believe in Diabate's unique skillset.
Incredibly athletic and mobile for his size, Diabate can guard the perimeter like a wing, while also protecting the rim like a big. This, combined with his motor, are two unteachable skills that the Clippers believe can translate well to the NBA level.
Diabate has also been putting in a lot of work on his offensive game this offseason, working on his shot to become a threat from the midrange and even beyond the three-point line. While he did not take many jumpers in the G-League last season, Diabate still averaged 15.9 PPG for the Ontario Clippers, to go along with 12.4 RPG as well.
It's clear why the Clippers wanted to retain Diabate this offseason, and they were able to do so despite strong interest from the Knicks.
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