Moose Stampede
It's Moussa Diabate's world and we're all living in it ...
Moussa Diabate might be the most impactful move in the Jeff Peterson stewardship of the Charlotte Hornets. I want you to take a beat to think about that statement. This may include whatever Peterson may draft with the two 2026 1st round picks. This may include Kon Knueppel, who might end up being the 2025-2026 NBA Rookie of the Year in a year with Cooper Flagg.
This 6’8 forward who was given a two-way deal little over 18 months ago, a man who’s developed into the starting center. A man, who tonight gave the absolute business to Jaren Jackson Jr. in the 2nd half. Eighteen points and twenty rebounds later. Yeah, he’s heading there.
Another pantheon Moussa’s entering as well, being top three in terms of Hornets development stories ever. The only two names you can credibly put over him at this point? Kemba Walker and Gerald “Crash” Wallace. Two guys who kept the lights on. Two guys who got All-Star nods (Kemba got it twice). Kemba got a third team All NBA selection. Those are the only guys ahead.
Now, you’re probably reading this and saying, “wait, those guys are 1st round picks (Crash was an expansion draft guy, but was drafted in the 1st Round by Sacramento), shouldn’t that factor into this discussion?” To which, I’d likely admit that you’d have a point, but I’d also point out both Kemba and Crash did this for MULTIPLE years of excellence. Moussa might be on Year two of his journey. So he hasn’t passed them on the journey….YET. So instead of taking the title of best developmental story, he might have to console himself with that big bag of money that he might end up getting this summer.
Bees on The Run — The Hornets road dominance: Courtesy of Optastats, the Hornets have won six games on the road by at least 15 points in a month. The only other teams to do so are title teams — the 2001-2002 Lakers and the 2011-2012 Miami Heat. Teams with legitimate hall of famers. That’s the type of run that the Bugs are on at this point. Savor every single second of how good this feels.
Stop me if you’ve seen me write this one before, but Brandon Miller is on a heater: In his last eight games, Brandon Miller is averaging 24.2 points on 70% true shooting percentage. Folks, remember that his shoulder might not be completely right AND he’s still recovering from that wrist surgery to his shooting hand. If he doesn’t miss a chunk of games at the beginning of the season, the Hornets might not only be firmly in the play-in conversation, but Brandon’s probably an All-Star. We’re seeing the evolution of his game in multiple ways. Think of him as the last good thing Michael Jordan and Mitch Kupchack gave this city.
A PSA - Certain conversations are no longer worth having: Now that the Hornets have been on this winning streak, it makes certain conversations look silly. Whether or not this team in tanking is chief among them. Another one not worth talking about is the minutes distribution and who starts and who doesn’t. The plan is CLEARLY working. Enjoy the ride, this team is good and let the chips fall where they may. If they don’t make the playoffs, this team will have a great shot at Dybantsa, Boozer or Peterson. Add that to another pick that’s probably going to be within the top 25 of a loaded draft and this roster is going to be in prime position to make SERIOUS noise.
And if they make the playoffs, it’s house money. Regardless, the Hornets are in a great place and it’s a great time to be a fan.
Onto Dallas.FIN.
I cannot remember the last time it felt this good to be a Hornets fan! Thanks for all you do!