"This might not be the worst thing" - Knicks fans react after New York uses 2nd-round pick on French forward with 7-foot-4 wingspan

New York Knicks fans were hyped after the team selected French prospect Mohamed Diawara in the second round of the 2025 NBA draft. The Knicks traded down to the 51st pick to draft Diawara, a 6-foot-8 forward with a 7-foot-4 wingspan.

New York initially owned the 50th selection but traded it to the LA Clippers in exchange for the 51st pick and the draft rights to Luka Mitrovic. Diawara currently plays for Cholet Basket in the LNB Elite, France's top league.

According to NBADraft.net's scouting report, Diawara has elite physical tools and offers defensive versatility. He can defend multiple positions, which is very valuable in the league at the moment, especially with how the OKC Thunder built their championship-winning squad.

New York Knicks fans were intrigued by the selection of Diawara. One even compared him to Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the best players in the world.

"7’4" wingspan ??? Calling it now, he’s our next Giannis," one fan commented.

Gio

@jsmove7

7’4 wingspan ??? Calling it now, he’s our Next Giannis.

Ben Frey

@benfreysc

- Great measurables- Can guard 1-5- Will need to develop more shooting for sure. He has solid mechanics.​Definitely a project, excited to see him play in summer league. Probably coming off the bench

Borel

@BorelPOG

ok 7'4 wingspan and future stars pacome dadiets friend has joined the fray to play at the summer league​this might not be the worst thing after all

DD

@MrDADiaz

Knicks just went and got a defensive Obi Toppin.

Brunette Bohemian

@Jane_Doe82

6’8 with a 7’4 wingspan ​My 5’2 brain cannot comprehend this

TechTakes

@0TechTakes

The perfect kind of late 2nd round pick. Will take time and definitely a project but the potential is there. Super excited to see what’s to come. Welcome to the #knicks!!

"The perfect kind of late 2nd round pick," another fan said. "Will take time and definitely a project but the potential is there. Super excited to see what’s to come. Welcome to the #knicks."

One of the problems for New York during the playoffs was a lack of depth. Tom Thibodeau often relied on his bench only when he had no other option, and the players were unable to make the necessary adjustments because they weren't consistently part of the rotation.

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Mohamed Diawara to play for Knicks in the NBA Summer League

Mohamed Diawara to play in the NBA Summer League. (Photo: IMAGN)

SNY's Ian Begley reported that Diawara will suit up for the New York Knicks in the 2025 Summer League.

Diawara has a chance to showcase his talents and possibly convince his next head coach that he deserves a roster spot. He could be an important part of the team's depth, especially on defense.

It also helps that Diawara is friends with fellow French player, Pacome Dadiet, who played 17 games for the Knicks this season. Dadiet spent the majority of the campaign in the NBA G League.