The Knicks are navigating the complexities of their roster depth, trying to optimize their lineup with a mix of emerging talent and seasoned players. The starting five, featuring Mitchell Robinson, Jose Alvarado, and Landry Shamet, is set.
Deuce McBride will join them once he returns from his sports hernia. However, the battle for the ninth or tenth spot is still wide open.
In one corner, we have Mo Diawara, a 19-year-old rookie who has quickly made a name for himself. Despite being overlooked in the top 50 of the NBA Draft, Diawara has shown flashes of brilliance on both ends of the court. His recent success from beyond the arc is turning heads, making him a promising role player.
On the flip side, Jeremy Sochan, a more experienced yet still youthful player at 22, is looking to make his mark in New York after parting ways with San Antonio. Both Diawara and Sochan are on the bubble of the Knicks' rotation, with players like Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, and Kevin McCullar Jr. ready to step in if needed.
The Knicks' rotation doesn't have to be set in stone. It's a fluid situation, adaptable from game to game.
Diawara and Sochan each bring unique strengths and potential downsides. Their effectiveness often hinges on specific matchups.
Sochan's Achilles' heel is his shooting. While he offers rebounding and some secondary playmaking, his perimeter game leaves much to be desired.
Diawara, as a rookie, faces his own challenges. His game against the Spurs on New Year’s Eve highlighted his current limitations in shooting and ballhandling.
But these are typical rookie hurdles.
Strength-wise, Diawara excels as a switchable defender and has been surprisingly effective in catch-and-shoot scenarios, boasting a 41.5% from three-point range. Sochan, meanwhile, is a strong rebounder and versatile defender.
Diawara's best fit seems to be in non-Brunson minutes, where Karl-Anthony Towns takes the offensive lead. Alvarado’s playmaking can open up opportunities for shooters like Shamet and Diawara, giving the rookie a valuable, albeit small, role.
Finding Sochan’s niche is trickier. His initial games with the Knicks have been challenging, but there’s potential for him as a small-ball five, especially when the team lacks size.
Against teams like the Bulls, who don’t have much height, Sochan’s versatility could be an asset. While his shooting limitations pose spacing issues, he could still contribute in lineups with ample floor spacers.
In sum, the Knicks are in a discovery phase, testing the waters with Diawara and Sochan to see how they can best contribute. Both players have the potential to carve out meaningful roles, but it will require strategic deployment and patience as they develop.