Mamadi Diakite must improve to earn playing time for the Milwaukee Bucks

May 16, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Mamadi Diakite (25) scores on a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Mamadi Diakite (25) scores on a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Milwaukee Bucks Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

How Diakite can improve for the Milwaukee Bucks: 2. Crash the glass

Through 14 appearances for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Mamadi Diakite averaged 2.4 rebounds per game. For a 6’9″ rookie power forward, that is not enough rebounding to stay on the floor for a significant period of time.

The Milwaukee Bucks know where the majority of their points will come from. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday will carry the bulk of the scoring load. Other role players will be expected to contribute points as well; Diakite on the other hand will not be relied upon for offense. If he wants to become a valuable member of the team, he is going to have to start on the glass.

Elite rebounders have always been highly sought-after players for one reason, they help teams win. In the late ’80s and into the ’90s, Dennis Rodman was the best rebounder in the NBA. Without his contributions, it would’ve been much harder for the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls to win the five championships he was a part of while playing for those two franchises.

In the early 2000s, the best rebounder in the league was Ben Wallace. He helped Detroit reach the NBA Finals twice in a three-year span, winning the 2004 NBA championship in the process. If Diakite learns to rebound like Rodman or Wallace, he will definitely earn minutes on the floor.