Knicks Draft French Prospect in the Second Round

Mohamed Diawara's most enticing asset is his defensive versatility, as his length (7'4" wingspan and 9'2" standing reach) and athleticism allow him to guard all five positions on the floor...

Before we discuss New York's second-round selection in the 2025 draft, a quick recap of the latest Knicks-centric news and notes:

🏀 Speaking with reporters after the first round of the draft Wednesday night, Mavs president Nico Harrison looked to shut down speculation that Jason Kidd would be coaching anywhere other than Dallas next season. When asked about the rumors regarding Kidd's future, Harrison responded, "Is that still out there about J. Kidd? I thought I shut that down," adding, "Yes, he will be the coach next year."

It's odd that the Mavs seem content to let Kidd's top assistants walk and don't seem willing to sign Kidd to an extension, but apparently, they don't plan to let him leave for New York.

🏀 Elsewhere on the coaching front, multiple outlets confirmed the Knicks have received permission from the Pelicans to interview assistant James Borrego.

The 47-year-old Borrego broke into the league as an assistant video coordinator for San Antonio in 2003, learning under the great Gregg Popovich. After working his way up the ranks, Borrego got his first head coaching opportunity in 2018 with Charlotte. He compiled a 138-163 record in four seasons with the rebuilding Hornets before getting fired in 2022. He has served as associate head coach under Willie Green in New Orleans for the past two seasons.

Borrego, a CAA client, will be the fourth candidate to interview with New York, joining Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown and Micah Nori.

🏀 According to Frank Isola of the YES Network and NBA Radio, Mikal Bridges and Mitchell Robinson have "surfaced in trade discussions." Both Bridges and Mitch Rob are extension-eligible this summer, so it makes sense that the Knicks' front office would weigh all possibilities before committing significant, long-term money.

🏀 Rumors around Milwaukee and Giannis Antetokounmpo have died down in recent weeks. However, ESPN's Brian Windhorst says teams are still hoping to pounce if Giannis is unhappy with how the roster looks following free agency.

"The Bucks have seven free agents. Seven. Three or four of which I would refer to as core players," Windhorst explained. "The Bucks do not have salary cap space. The Bucks do not control their first-round draft pick for the next five years. They can't trade it — they can't trade the pick or the swap. The Bucks are in a situation where they cannot count on Dame Lillard for next year. Maybe he can come back, but they cannot count on it. The Bucks are not interested right now in trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. And Giannis, to our knowledge, to my belief, has not asked for a trade. Those are the facts… Will the Bucks do some things over the next two, three weeks to put themselves in a position where they can look like they could win the Eastern Conference, with those limitations? Maybe."

Windy continued, "So that's why the league is waiting. People want to know why aren't the Knicks going all-in for Kevin Durant? Why aren't the Heat going all-in for Kevin Durant? Because, in part – there's other reasons, but in part -they want to see what happens here with the Bucks. And we're going to be watching closely."

🏀 New York entered the second round of last night's draft with the 50th overall selection. They ended up moving back one spot by trading the pick to the Clippers in exchange for the draft rights to Luka Mitrovic (a 31-year-old European who is highly unlikely ever to set foot in the NBA).

With the 51st pick, New York selected French forward Mohamed Diawara.

Diawara spent last season coming off the bench for Cholet Basket in the French LNB Élite. He averaged 5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 19.6 minutes per game in 27 appearances. While his counting stats don't jump off the page, it's important to note that Diawara is just 20 years old. Furthermore, his physical tools are enticing. He measured 6'9" in shoes with a 7'4" wingspan and 9'2" standing reach at the 2024 Adidas EuroCamp. To put those numbers in context, had Diawara participated in the NBA combine, he would have registered the highest standing reach and the second-highest wingspan among all draft-eligible small forwards (h/t Marc Weber).

At this stage of his development, Diawara's most enticing asset is his defensive versatility, as his length and athleticism enable him to guard all five positions on the floor. He also has a solid handle for a wing and good court vision.

In addition, Diawara is close friends with fellow Frenchman Pacôme Dadiet, the Knicks' 2024 first-round pick. In an interview posted on NBADraft.net earlier this month, Diawara said he was teammates with Dadiet during their time at Saint-Charles Charenton. "I was talking with Pacôme (Dadiet) yesterday… He's still my guy."

Diawara is reportedly planning to travel to Las Vegas with the Knicks next week to participate in Summer League action, so we should get an up-close look at what he brings to the table against NBA-adjacent competition.

On the negative side of the ledger, Diawara's offensive game is undeniably raw. The mechanics/form on his jumper looks solid, but his percentages are putrid. Last season for Cholet, he shot 38.3% from the field and 31% from three-point territory (22-of-71). Most concerning, he converted less than 50% of his free throws (20-of-41).

Thus, it's not surprising that Diawara is reportedly expected to spend next season overseas to get some seasoning. Considering the Knicks' financial restrictions as they bump against the second apron, it's not surprising they would choose a draft-and-stash player late with a late second-round selection. As long as Diawara stays in Europe, he won't impact the Knicks' salary cap space.

And with recent draft picks such as Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, James Nnaji, and Kevin McCullar Jr. all expected to compete for playing time (and actually play) in 2025-26, New York should have plenty of young blood on the big club.