Knicks Rookie Can Add Long-Term Wing Depth

Diawara had to have been one of the last players to make the cut following Malcolm Brogdon's sudden opportunity-clearing retirement. But as New York's sole selection at the 51st spot in that most recent prospect cycle, he got a fair chance to broadcast his potential at the NBA Summer League, and impressed with a versatile skill set at an important position.

NBA wings need athleticism, defense and shooting to stick around, and Diawara's flashed each of those skills in his brief moments before the New York crowd. His stroke looks strong, and he's fought hard enough on both ends to already captivate some of the fans with his hustling approach.

And that's just from the Knicks' preseason runs; he looked like one of the most enticing athletes in Las Vegas' summer runs, where more on-ball opportunity gave him a chance to show his promising instincts. He can move the ball with some real feel, and that's helped him generate a few nice passes and assists this October.

Second-round picks aren't guaranteed the same opening night opportunities as most first-rounders, and his Exhibit 10 contract is far from a guarantee that he'll be given the runway to continue developing against NBA competition. New York's previously shown willingness to throw their deeper-cut prospects into the fray, though, as everyone saw when they turned to Hukporti as a backup big option last season.

Diawara will, in all likelihood, have to see occasional turns in the G League, but the readiness he demonstrates upon his rare runs with the Knicks will tell a lot about how he can bolster their wing rotation. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges each offer their own two-way potential, which Diawara can potentially mirror in due time with proper nurturing.