Several former Michigan Wolverines had excellent weeks in the NBA, with Moussa Diabate being far and away the most surprising:
Three former Michigan Wolverines have officially been designated as out for the season in Moritz Wagner (Orlando Magic), Isaiah Livers (Washington Wizards) and Kobe Bufkin (Atlanta Hawks). However, the remaining contingent in the NBA got healthy this week and impressed in their returns.
Diabate finding his footing in the Charlotte rotation
For most Michigan fans, Moussa Diabate represents a disappointing time in Michigan basketball, as the No. 1 recruiting class in the country failed to do anything of significance in Ann Arbor. After just one season, Diabate declared for the NBA Draft and was seldom heard from again, as he rarely played for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Everything has changed since he joined the Charlotte Hornets this offseason. As their backup center, Diabate has played in 36 games (starting in four) and averages nearly 18 minutes per game. While still not a scoring threat, he has been a monster on the glass, as he’s averaging 6.5 rebounds per game with a season-high of 15. On Saturday, Diabate scored nine points and hauled in 13 rebounds in a win against the Pelicans.
Injuries have certainly contributed to his increased playing time, but he appears to be making the most of his opportunity. Somehow, the young forward just turned 23 last week.
Wagner torches the Pistons singlehandedly
Franz Wagner returned injury that cost him a month-and-a-half of the season by quickly returning to his old self. Wagner has scored 20+ in each of the three games he’s played in since his return, including a 32-point outburst against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. The most shocking aspect was not just the 32 points, but the fact that 25 of those 32 came in the fourth quarter alone.
With regards to the NBA All-Star Game , Wagner finished in seventh in the fan-voting segment in the Eastern Conference front court. He was not named a starter, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him named a reserve — that is set to be announced later this week.
Jett Howard returns with a bang
Like Diabate, Jett Howard struggled to gain traction early in his career. He barely played as a rookie, but in his second season with the Orlando Magic, he is starting to carve out a role in the rotation, at least for now.
After missing two weeks, he returned last Thursday against the Portland Trailblazers. In 17 minutes, Howard canned three three-pointers on his way to 10 points and three rebounds. It was his fifth double-digit scoring effort of the season.
However, as Orlando gets healthy, it appears likely that Howard’s role will diminish some. The former lottery pick has a long way to go before he pays off his draft slot.