Mohamed Diawara’s Struggles at Summer League Opener

LAS VEGAS — Mohamed Diawara seemed less interested in discussing new contracts or his future potential after a disappointing first game in the Summer League. His team’s performance, a 91-65 defeat to the Nets, overshadowed any broader considerations.

“We need to improve. Compared to how we played last season, we must do better,” Diawara admitted. “I can’t perform the way I did today.”

Indeed, Diawara’s showing was lackluster, hitting just 1 of 9 shots, which included a poor 1 of 7 from three-point range. He logged 23 minutes while the Knicks fell behind by as much as 39 points.

Recently signed to a multi-year contract following a promising rookie season, Diawara was one of only two players on an NBA contract participating in the Summer League.

His teammate, Pacôme Dadier, managed to score 20 points but struggled as well, making only 1 of his 7 attempts from beyond the arc.

Knicks summer league coach TJ Saint acknowledged their difficulties. “I believe they faced some challenges. Responding to adversity is crucial. They need to adjust and deal with setbacks,” he stated. “Defensive lapses and minor mistakes snowballed into a larger issue. It’s on us, including Dillon Jones, to improve.”

Despite a challenging game, Diawara had shown enough potential last season to earn a new four-year, $11.2 million deal, although only the first two years are guaranteed. He’ll now need to secure his place in the lineup against stronger competitors.

Currently, he sits behind OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet, and Jordan Clarkson in the team’s wing rotation.

Diawara, with his impressive 7-foot wingspan, recognizes that more than one game’s worth of performance is necessary to earn playing time. “I need to improve. Hard work is essential,” he reflected. “If I keep pushing, I believe I can succeed. There’s a bright future ahead, but I must focus and keep at it.”