In the 2025 NBA Draft, the Knicks made their lone selection by choosing another French talent, focusing on defensive skills and athleticism.
Mohamed Diawara, a 20-year-old power forward hailing from Paris, was picked 51st overall on Thursday night.
There’s some uncertainty about whether Diawara will join the Knicks or pursue other options, though it’s hoped he will participate in the Vegas Summer League next month, according to league sources.
Diawara has a close connection with Pacom Dadiette, another French player who the Knicks drafted in the first round last year.
While his performance in the French league last season—5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 27 games—wasn’t particularly standout, he boasts an impressive 7-foot-4 wingspan alongside his athletic abilities.
The Knicks had to make some strategic moves before selecting Diawara; they traded a pick for a position drop from 50th to 51st. As reported earlier, many within the NBA thought the Knicks might trade their second-round pick or draft lesser-known players from overseas. The reasons are pretty clear: with the new restrictive luxury tax rules, every dollar counts—even for second-round rookies. Avoiding a second apron is a priority for the Knicks. Should Diawara remain overseas next season, he wouldn’t count against their salary cap.
Sources indicate that the Knicks did consider moving up in the second round to select Lasia Fleming from St. Joseph, who eventually went 31st to the Suns. However, Leon Rose opted to trade down instead.
They lost their own pick in the second round—originally the 56th—after the choice was sacrificed in the deal for Jalen Brunson in 2023.
New York’s 50th pick was acquired from last year’s draft day deal with the Thunder.
Despite not having a first-round rookie this year due to trades for Mikal Bridges and others, the Knicks expect their summer league team to feature a roster full of young talent eager to prove themselves. This includes players from last year’s draft and their recent second-round selections.
Diawara will be part of that mix.
Recent second-round picks like Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, and Jericho Sims have made significant contributions, marking a trend of success for the Knicks in that round.
The front office did miss the mark with the No. 42 pick in 2022, when Trevorkiel turned out to be a lackluster choice.
At this time, the Knicks are still looking for a new coach following the unexpected firing of Tom Thibodeau earlier this month.
Management is emphasizing player development as they search for a new coach who will focus on expanding the rotation and nurturing younger talent.
Interviews are ongoing, with names like Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown, and Minnesota’s assistant Mikanili in the mix. There are plans for another conversation with New Orleans assistant coach James Borrego. New York has also attempted to connect with coaches signed elsewhere but has faced rejections for permission, which indicates they have their sights set on high-profile candidates like Jason Kidd and Billy Donovan.
