After starting the 2025-26 season as the backup center in Charlotte, Diabate soon ascended into a starting role, where he remained for the rest of the campaign. He finished as the 132nd-ranked player in nine-category leagues, averaging 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.8 combined steals and blocks in 26.0 minutes per game. Despite the elevation in playing time, Diabate's limited offensive game was perhaps highlighted even more. It feels as though he could open the 2026-27 season as the starting center, albeit due to a lack of better options. With that said, Charlotte selected Hannes Steinbach in the recent NBA Draft. While it is unclear just what his role might look like, his ability to space the floor could at least have him in the discussion for meaningful minutes right out of the gate. Along with Ryan Kalkbrenner, the three of them will split center minutes in one way or another, making Diabate a viable yet risky pick late in drafts.