The Knicks might have found another second-round gem-and this one is already making noise on the defensive end.
Mohamed Diawara, the 51st overall pick in the draft, didn’t come in with much fanfare. But that’s changing fast.
The 20-year-old forward has wasted no time making an impression in Mike Brown’s up-tempo, defense-first system. He’s long, confident, and brings a level of defensive urgency that’s hard to teach.
After a standout performance guarding Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown, Diawara earned the team’s Defensive Player of the Game honors-and he’s starting to turn heads on a national level.
Diawara’s Defense Shines Against Celtics
On a recent episode of the All NBA Podcast, analysts Tim Legler and Adam Mares broke down Diawara’s performance against Boston, and both were quick to highlight his defensive impact. Mares went as far as to say that Diawara might already have a case to crack the Knicks’ playoff rotation. That’s a big statement for a rookie taken late in the second round.
The consensus? Anything Diawara gives you on offense is a bonus. His bread and butter is defense-and he’s already proving he can hold his own against elite talent.
“He’s a really long wing,” Legler said. “You can put him on four, sometimes all five positions on the court. He’s strong, he’s got great length, and he’s really mobile.”
That kind of versatility is gold in today’s NBA, especially for a team like New York that’s built its identity around grit, depth, and defensive toughness. Diawara’s ability to switch across multiple positions without giving up ground is exactly the kind of asset that can swing a playoff series.
A Comparison Worth Noting
Legler took the praise a step further, comparing Diawara to Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin-a second-year player who’s carved out a meaningful role in Cleveland’s rotation. Tomlin, averaging 6.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 43 games, has become a favorite of Legler’s thanks to his nonstop motor and disruptive length. Diawara, while playing fewer minutes and posting more modest numbers (2.5 points, 1.1 rebounds), is drawing similar praise for his presence and activity.
“Kind of reminds me of, in terms of like intriguing-like could this be the kind of impact-you look at Nae’Qwan Tomlin in Cleveland,” Legler said. “I’ve come to love this guy… similar length, all over the place, you notice his arms and his reach, just running around all active.”
That’s not just a casual comparison. Coming from a 10-year NBA veteran who played for five different teams, it’s a strong endorsement. Legler knows what it takes to stick in the league, and he sees something in Diawara that’s worth watching.
Playoff Rotation? Don’t Rule It Out
The idea of a rookie second-rounder cracking a playoff rotation might sound ambitious-but Diawara is making a legitimate case. His defensive instincts, physical tools, and willingness to embrace his role all align perfectly with what the Knicks need from their bench. And with Mike Brown at the helm-a coach known for maximizing defensive talent-it’s not hard to imagine Diawara becoming a trusted option when the games really start to matter.
For now, the Knicks appear to have landed a player who’s already impacting winning without needing the ball in his hands. That’s rare. And if Diawara keeps defending like this, it won’t be long before we’re talking about him as more than just a second-round steal-we’ll be talking about him as a key piece in a playoff push.