Knicks seek Year 2 breakthrough from big man Mohamed Diawara

Eventually, the Knicks will need one of them to break through.Mohamed Diawara is the most likely.It’s been a while — really, since Miles McBride — since a Knicks draft pick has developed into a consistent mainstay in the rotation.A big part of that is due to the Knicks not having high picks and often trading out of the first round entirely.

But in the apron era, finding value in young, cheap players is critical.Pacôme Dadiet has done nothing to establish himself the past two years.Tyler Kolek has shown flashes and become a fan favorite, but he continues to be buried in the pecking order and the Knicks clearly were not comfortable trusting him to be the primary backup point guard last year, trading for Jose Alvarado.Kevin McCullar Jr.

is hanging on with a two-way deal.Ariel Hukporti was used only in emergencies last year and departed for Philadelphia during the offseason.Diawara, more than any of the others, had spells during his first NBA regular season in which he had a sustained spot in head coach Mike Brown’s rotation.

During the postseason, though, he was on the outside looking in as the rotation condensed.“We have a great team with big players, so if I was in the rotation and I’m not in the rotation anymore, I think it’s just part of the game for the whole team,” Diawara said after practice Saturday.“I just gotta [play] my role, especially as a rookie, that was my first year.

I wasn’t really thinking about that, I was just ready to take any opportunity.I wasn’t thinking about not playing and stuff.”Diawara, when given playing time, showcased an offensive game that was a bit more polished than expected when the Knicks drafted him with the No.

51 overall pick in 2025.At 6-foot-9 with long arms, he already is a strong defender with the type of frame that offers exciting potential.“I think he has endless upside,” OG Anunoby said.

“He’s very talented, can do a lot: shoot, defend, pass.He can do everything; a really versatile p...