Mohamed Diawara with the Knicks during the NBA Finals
The Knicks finished Summer League with an 110-88 loss to Dallas, but the score is less important than what the game leaves behind. New York still has to find cheap, playable depth around a championship roster.
That puts Mohamed Diawara in a useful spot. The 6-foot-9 forward was the No. 51 pick in 2025, and his G League line was 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. Those numbers do not guarantee a roster spot, but they show why the Knicks keep giving him chances.
Dallas pulled away after halftime and outscored New York 69-37 in the second half. A summer loss can be ignored quickly, yet Diawara’s next step cannot. The Knicks need to know whether he can defend, make the simple pass, and stay involved when he is not getting touches.
The difference is clear between a prospect who looks good in a workout and a player the coaching staff can actually use.
Knicks need Diawara to defend his way into a role
There is no clean path to 25 minutes for Diawara right now. The Knicks have a title core, established forwards, and a payroll that makes every cheap contributor more valuable. He has to win minutes by doing the work that keeps stars on the floor.
That means switching without losing the play, moving the ball before the defense loads up, and finishing through contact. He does not need to chase shots to make the roster decision harder.
Mohamed Diawara smiling during Knicks practice
Jun 2, 2026; San Antonio, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara (51) smiles during practice on media day for the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect.
The Summer League ending gives the front office a better question than whether Diawara had one good game. Can he give the Knicks a dependable development plan and enough defensive value to earn a two-way or end-of-bench opportunity?
I would keep watching him for that reason. The Knicks are not looking for a summer star to take the ball from Jalen Brunson. They are looking for players who can survive next to him, Towns, and the rest of the group.
Diawara has the size and a real route to the roster. The next part is proving that the game still comes to him when the easy touches disappear.
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