Mohamed Diawara wasn’t supposed to be one of the Knicks’ most intriguing stories this season. He wasn’t a marquee signing, a lottery pick, or even a name most fans circled when the roster came together last summer. But fast forward to now, and the 6’9” rookie wing has carved out a legitimate role in New York’s rotation - and suddenly, his future is something the front office can’t afford to overlook.
Diawara came in on a modest $1.3 million deal, essentially a low-risk flier to round out the depth chart. But what the Knicks got in return has far exceeded expectations.
He’s emerged as a surprisingly steady shooter off the bench, offering spacing and energy in a second unit that needed both. In fact, there’s a growing sentiment that Diawara might be the team’s most promising draft find since Miles McBride back in 2021.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown has taken notice - and not just because of the box score.
“There’s just a lot of little things when you see Mo play that make you go, ‘Oh my gosh, wow,’” Brown said. “And all those things, when you add them up to a possible opportunity, it gives you more confidence as a coaching staff to throw him out there and say, ‘OK, let’s see what’s going to happen.’”
Diawara’s game is still raw in some areas, but the flashes are real. He’s shown some intriguing upside as a ball-handler and passer for his size, but he’s also self-aware enough to know what’s going to keep him on an NBA floor.
“Three-point shooting and defense,” Diawara said. “Those are things that are going to make me stay in the league for the longest.”
With his contract set to expire this offseason, Diawara will hit restricted free agency. While he’s not expected to draw a massive market, his development has made him a priority for the Knicks - just behind the more high-profile decision looming with Mitchell Robinson’s unrestricted free agency.
Around the Atlantic Division
Up in Boston, all eyes remain on Jayson Tatum’s return timeline - and while there’s still no official date circled on the calendar, there are signs of progress. Tatum recently participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage with the Celtics’ G League affiliate, a key step in any return-to-play protocol. Jaylen Brown, who’s been carrying a heavier load in Tatum’s absence, gave a cautiously optimistic take.
“In terms of what I’ve seen, he looks pretty damn good,” Brown said.
That’s music to the ears of Celtics fans. With the postseason creeping closer, Boston will need its star forward back in rhythm sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, the Nets may have stumbled upon something special in their rookie backcourt pairing of Nolan Traore and Egor Demin. The two young guards are starting to find chemistry, and it’s showing up on the floor. Traore, who began the season bouncing in and out of the rotation, has found his groove lately - averaging 12.0 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 43.2% from deep over his last 12 games.
“We complete each other, and we play great [together],” Traore said. “He is a good shooter, and it is always good for me to play with good shooters.”
Head coach Jordi Fernandez likes what he sees, but he’s not ready to let them coast. He’s pushing both rookies to keep improving - especially when it comes to physicality on both ends of the floor. The Nets are still a work in progress, but there’s legitimate hope that this young duo could be a long-term answer in the backcourt.
Back in New York, Josh Hart continues to be the glue guy every contender dreams of having. He sets the tone defensively, crashes the glass, and does all the little things that don’t show up in highlight reels - but win games.
The Knicks are 29-14 with Hart in the lineup this season, compared to just 6-6 without him. That’s not a coincidence.
Still, Hart knows his style of play doesn’t exactly scream “All-Star.”
“I think you’d always like to be an All-Star,” Hart said. “Do I think a guy that’s my style of play is really going to be an All-Star?
Probably not. If I was ever fortunate to be in that position, I would love it, but I just know the play style, it’s not the glitz and the glamour to it.”
He may not get the All-Star nod, but inside the Knicks' locker room - and among fans who appreciate winning basketball - Hart’s value is undeniable.
As the season grinds on and the playoff picture starts to take shape, the Atlantic Division is full of compelling subplots. From Diawara’s emergence to Tatum’s recovery, and from Brooklyn’s youth movement to Hart’s steady presence, there’s no shortage of storylines worth watching.