As the Knicks intensify their efforts to defend their NBA championship in the upcoming season, head coach Mike Brown has identified Mo Diawara as a player with the potential to take on a larger role. At just 21 years old, Diawara returns to Knicks training camp energized after describing his summer in Paris as the best of his life.
Originally picked 51st overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, Diawara was traded to the Knicks before his rookie year, which ended with a championship ring but was largely focused on learning from seasoned teammates. Speaking at a Saturday press conference, Diawara shared, “Now I understand the physicality required for this league and how to prepare my body. I still look up to the veterans, who help me develop a routine for the new season.”
“Having completed my first year, things feel somewhat easier now,” he added. Regarding the Knicks’ preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 5, Brown suggested that starters will likely see some playing time but not extensively. This could provide an opportunity for players like Diawara to demonstrate their growth.
Brown emphasized his expectations for the team, highlighting the importance of resilience and effort as they set the tone ahead of the regular season opener at Madison Square Garden—coinciding with a banner-raising ceremony. “Mistakes will happen, and that’s fine,” Brown said. “What matters is how quickly a player tries to correct them.”
He further stressed the value of quick recovery after errors, boxing out, battling for offensive boards, and hustling in transition. Diawara and Brown both agree these are key areas for the young forward to hone. Reflecting on last season, Brown noted that Diawara initially seemed a bit unsure on the court but now shows improved rhythm and better awareness of both his role and his teammates’ actions. Brown called him “a player ready to take the next step.”
Diawara also mentioned working intensively on his three-point shooting to improve for his sophomore year. During the 2025-26 regular season, the 6’9″ forward made 36.9% of his three-point attempts, averaging 3.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in about 9 minutes per game over 69 appearances, including seven starts. However, his playing time was limited during the playoff run, appearing in just six of the team’s 19 postseason games.
This promising development helped Diawara secure a four-year deal with the Knicks worth just over $11 million in total.
Fan Take: Mo Diawara’s growth signals exciting depth for the Knicks and offers fans a glimpse of a rising talent poised to contribute more significantly. His progress is a reminder of how young players’ development can impact a team’s championship aspirations and the future of the league.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
