Knicks Rookie Forward May Have Just Earned a Rotation Spot
The New York Knicks' bench has been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season. Long known as a team reluctant to rely on depth under former head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks have turned the page under first-year head coach Mike Brown. New York has regularly played as many as 11 to 12 players on a given night, showcasing a level of lineup flexibility that has helped the team remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. An ankle injury suffered by Josh Hart on NBA Christmas Day against the Cleveland Cavaliers created additional opportunities within the rotation. One of the biggest beneficiaries has been rookie Forward Mohamed Diawara, who has steadily earned trust as his role has expanded.
Diawara, the Knicks’ lone rookie selected 51st overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, spent much of the season outside the regular rotation. When he has seen the floor, however, he has consistently made an impact. Before entering the NBA, Diawara played primarily overseas in France, competing in the LNB Pro A and LNB Pro Elite leagues. While his offensive numbers were modest, rarely eclipsing three points per game and featuring inconsistent shooting splits, his physical profile and defensive tools stood out to scouts. Standing six-foot-nine with a seven-foot-four wingspan, Diawara possesses a prototypical NBA frame, impressive length for disrupting passing lanes, and a high motor that translates well to defensive assignments.
With no shortage of offensive firepower at Madison Square Garden, Diawara provides something different to the Knicks’ rotation. Starters OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are known for their defensive versatility on the wing. On the other hand, bench players such as Tyler Kolek, Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, and Landry Shamet supply instant offense when New York needs a spark. That balance has allowed the Knicks to give extended looks to a developmental player like Diawara, particularly as the team evaluates its depth with postseason aspirations in mind.
Diawara delivered his most impressive performance in New York’s most recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Making his third career start, he scored a career-high 18 points while shooting 77.8% from the field and hit all four shots from beyond the arc. He also added two steals on the defensive end, further highlighting his two-way potential. Notably, the Knicks remain undefeated in games when Diawara logs more than 12 minutes of action this season. As the Knicks continue to mix and match lineups and prepare for the stretch run, Diawara’s emergence has become increasingly difficult to ignore. What began as a European project selected late in the NBA Draft may be evolving into a valuable rotation piece. With his defensive versatility and growing role, Diawara appears to be positioning himself as part of New York’s core moving forward.
