France, Moussa Diabate declined the call-up

The French national team, in need of reinforcements after yet another injury in the frontcourt, reportedly tried to call up Moussa Diabate, the 2002-born power forward/center. However, as reported by Be Basket, the French big man declined the invitation in order to “focus on the upcoming NBA season.”

Wembanyama, Lessort, Gobert, and now Poirier — these are the major absences France faces among its centers. In an attempt to compensate, the French federation reached out to Charlotte Hornets’ big man Diabate, but he turned down the proposal, preferring to prepare as best as possible for the next NBA season.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Moussa Diabate played for the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 5.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game over 71 appearances.