Moussa Diabate Declines Ride From Hornets Teammate LaMelo Ball

Diabate cites Ball's history of reckless driving as reason to avoid getting in a car with the star point guard.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:19pm

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In an interview with NBA insider Zach Lowe, Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate was asked if he had ever been in a car driven by his teammate LaMelo Ball. Diabate quickly responded "Nah, never will," citing Ball's history of reckless driving. Despite their on-court chemistry, it seems Diabate prefers to stick to the team bus when it comes to transportation.

Why it matters

LaMelo Ball is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, but his driving habits have become somewhat notorious. Diabate's comments highlight the challenges NBA players can face balancing their professional relationships with personal safety concerns off the court.

The details

During the interview, Lowe asked Diabate if he had ever been in a car driven by Ball. Diabate firmly stated that he never would, joking that he would stick to the team bus instead of accepting a ride from his star point guard teammate. Diabate has emerged as one of the Hornets' most improved players this season, averaging 8.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and one block per game.

  • The interview with Diabate took place ahead of the Hornets' matchup against the New York Knicks on March 26, 2026.

The players

Moussa Diabate

A center for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as one of the team's most improved players this season.

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, known for his exciting play on the court but also his history of reckless driving off of it.

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What they’re saying

“Nah, never will.”

— Moussa Diabate, Charlotte Hornets Center

What’s next

The Hornets will look to continue their winning streak when they host the New York Knicks on Thursday, March 26th.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges NBA players can face balancing their professional relationships with personal safety concerns off the court. While Diabate and Ball have strong on-court chemistry, Diabate's refusal to ride with Ball underscores the risks associated with the star point guard's driving habits.