The New York Knicks had an uneventful time in both rounds during the 2025 NBA Draft.
With the New York Knicks parting ways with their first-round pick this year in the blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges, all eyes were on the franchise during the second round.
Although the Knicks lost their second-round pick due to tampering during negotiations with Jalen Brunson in 2022, they still had the 50th overall pick acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder last year.
The Knicks were reportedly targeting two prospects ahead of the second round – Mohamed Diawara and Jonathan Pierre.
After engaging in a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to trade down to the No. 51 overall pick, the Knicks ultimately used it to draft Mohamed Diawara.
The move comes as a surprise, as the Frenchman has hardly impressed scouts in his time overseas.
Despite having a 6’9″ frame, Diawara averaged just 5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in 27 appearances.
Despite his low-key time with the Cholet Basket in the LNB Elite, the Knicks have invested in the project. After all, Diawara won the gold medal at the U-20 Eurobasket with France.
According to the New York Post, the Knicks plan to keep Diawara on the roster at least until the start of the NBA Summer League.
Considering he has a huge wingspan of 7’4″ and incredible athletic ability, there’s a chance that he could impress the organization and earn consistent minutes during his rookie year.
When a team has a late second-round draft pick, there’s always a chance that the organization offloads that pick.
Because more often than not, that pick doesn’t result in a talented star. While the Knicks could have done that, they went ahead with Diawara.
One reason behind the Knicks investing in the French forward could be due to his connection with Knicks’ Pacome Dadiet, who was the 25th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Similar to Dadiet, it’s possible that the Knicks send Diawara to the G League, where he can develop his game while playing for the Westchester Knicks.
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