Brief
Knicks look to Mohamed Diawara for breakout second season
The team signed the 2025 second‑round pick to a four‑year, $11.2 million deal and expects him to improve his physicality and shooting.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The New York Knicks are counting on 2025 second‑round pick Mohamed Diawara to make a significant leap in his second NBA season, coach Mike Brown said on Saturday.
What happened
Diawara, the No. 51 overall pick in the 2025 draft, saw limited minutes during his rookie year, including a brief stint in the postseason rotation. He returned to practice on Sept. 30, 2026, in Tarrytown, N.Y., and later spoke after a Jan. 1, 2026 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
What the reports add
The New York Post notes that Diawara’s contract was extended in the offseason with a four‑year, $11.2 million agreement, reflecting the Knicks’ belief in his upside. The article also mentions his summer‑league injury – a left ring‑finger fracture that required a minor procedure – and his subsequent recovery.
What was said
Diawara told reporters, “I just gotta [play] my role, especially as a rookie, that was my first year. I wasn’t really thinking about that, I was just ready to take any opportunity.” Coach Brown added, “Last year, you could see he was a little jittery when he was out there, because he didn’t quite know what to do, and he knew when he did it, he just had to go hard.” OG Anunoby praised Diawara, saying, “I think he has endless upside… I’m excited to see him grow.”
How it came about
The Knicks have struggled to develop recent draft picks, with few becoming regular rotation pieces since Miles McBride. In the “apron era,” finding value in inexpensive young players is a priority, prompting the team to retain Diawara despite his modest rookie output.
Key facts
- Mohamed Diawara was drafted No. 51 overall in 2025 and signed a four‑year, $11.2 million contract in the 2026 offseason. (nypost.com)
- Diawara missed time in the summer league due to a left ring‑finger injury that required a minor procedure. (nypost.com)
- Coach Mike Brown said Diawara appeared jittery in his rookie season but expects him to work harder in year two. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Knicks seek Year 2 breakthrough from big man Mohamed Diawara”
