Ever wonder about the new faces on your favorite team? Well, let's dive into the story of Mohamed Diawara, the young French forward making waves with the New York Knicks. A friend of mine, watching from the West Coast, perfectly summed him up: "Who's the giraffe on skates?"
Diawara, drafted by the Knicks this past summer, is a 20-year-old with a towering presence. Standing at approximately 6'9" with an impressive 7'4" wingspan, he was a strategic pick, seen as a low-cost, high-potential player. Scouts have raved about his length, energy, and defensive skills.
Before hitting the NBA, Diawara honed his skills in France's top basketball programs. He trained at INSEP and played for Paris Basketball, with loan stints in other French leagues. He's also made a name for himself internationally, earning MVP honors at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders camp in Milan. He also won a bronze at the 2022 U17 World Cup and a gold at the 2024 U20 EuroBasket with France’s youth teams.
After a solid performance in the NBA Summer League, New York signed him to a minimum contract.
So far, Diawara has been a deep bench player, mostly getting minutes in less crucial game times. However, in a recent game against the Pacers, with several key players out due to injuries, Diawara got his first NBA start. In a career-high 19 minutes, he scored five points, grabbed three rebounds, and had an assist and a steal.
This increased playing time was a significant step forward. Coach Mike Brown expressed his optimism, stating that Diawara, despite his youth, has a real chance to shine in the league.
But here's where it gets controversial... The G League, a developmental league, could be beneficial for Diawara. However, due to the Knicks' roster situation, he hasn't been sent there as often as he could. When he did play with the Westchester affiliate, he averaged 15.5 points, seven rebounds, and 36.1 minutes across two games.
For Diawara, playing in the NBA is a dream come true. He's focused on improving his jump shot and ball-handling skills, aiming to stay in the league as long as possible and pursue a championship.
What do you think? Do you agree with the coach's approach, or would you like to see Diawara get more G League time? Let me know your thoughts!
