Knicks Draft Mohamed Diawara After Clippers Trade as Fans Applaud 2nd-Round Pick

The New York Knicks added French wing Mohamed Diawara in the 2025 NBA draft on Thursday, choosing him in the second round with the No. 51 overall pick.

The Knicks initially owned the No. 50 choice in the draft before trading back to No. 51 in a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. New York also received the draft rights to Luka Mitrovic in the deal.

Knicks superfan Spike Lee was in attendance and went through a range of emotions during the picks:

Fans praised the selection of Diawara.

Diawara appeared in 27 games for Cholet Basket in the LNB Pro A league in France during the 2024-25 season.

He averaged 5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.6 steals in 19.6 minutes per game. Diawara shot 44.9 percent on two-point field goals while connecting on 31.0 percent of his attempts from behind the arc.

He also averaged 7.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per game on 51.4/31.3/72.7 shooting splits during France's U20 EuroBasket run in 2024.

Diawara seemed to be on New York's radar throughout the pre-draft process, as he was one of six reported prospects that the team conducted a workout with (via HoopsHype).

It'll likely be difficult for him to immediately carve out a role on a Knicks squad that is looking to contend for a spot at the top of the Eastern Conference standings next season after making a 2025 conference finals appearance.

New York's notable wings under contract include OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. The team also selected fellow French forward Pacome Dadiet with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

As the Knicks attempt to bolster their depth during the offseason, they added Diawara on Thursday night.