Mohamed Diawara enters the upcoming NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with a significant opportunity to prove his value, following the New York Knicks' decision to sign him to a multiyear contract extension. The Knicks extended the 6-foot-9 wing before he could test restricted free agency, signaling a strong belief in his potential after a promising rookie season.
Diawara, the 51st overall pick in the 2025 draft, appeared in 69 games for the Knicks last season, making seven starts. The new deal is reportedly worth over $10 million, a substantial increase from his previous rookie-scale contract of $1.27 million. The summer league in Las Vegas, beginning next Friday, will be his next platform to demonstrate his progress.
He is expected to be a focal point for the Knicks' summer league squad, which also features second-round pick Tyler Nickel and 2024 first-round selection Pacôme Dadiet. For a player already on a contract, summer league performance is an opportunity to solidify his role and potentially move beyond fringe rotation status. Diawara fell out of coach Mike Brown’s playoff rotation late in the season, making this summer league stint crucial for his development.
During his rookie year, Diawara averaged 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and shot 36.9 percent from three-point range in 9.2 minutes per game. His offensive contributions exceeded expectations, particularly his shooting. He was initially scouted for his defensive potential, attributed to his 7-foot-4 wingspan and athleticism. A standout performance on December 29 against the Pelicans, where he scored 18 points and made four three-pointers, helped him earn a spot in the regular-season rotation.
"Mo is not afraid," Brown said of Diawara in December. "He’s the most confident young man I’ve been around. He’s got a chance to be really good."
Other Notables on Summer League Roster
Pacôme Dadiet, a 6-foot-9 forward drafted in 2024, may also be a player to watch. Having played in only 47 games over two seasons, Dadiet could be utilized as a trade asset by the Knicks. The team is reportedly looking to manage its finances to avoid the second apron and has approximately $6.5 million in financial flexibility. Dadiet is due $2.98 million next season. His relatively inexpensive contract and age, turning 21 on July 27, could make him attractive to other franchises. Moving Dadiet could also allow the Knicks to pursue a significant center to back up Andre Drummond, especially after Mitchell Robinson's departure in free agency.
Former St. John’s guard Oziyah Sellers has agreed to a summer league deal, potentially earning a training camp invitation. Sellers, a 6-foot-5 shooter, was a key player for St. John's, helping them win Big East regular-season and postseason titles and reach the Sweet 16. He shot 37.8 percent from three-point range over four college seasons and provided solid defense. Last season, he averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
Tyler Nickel, the team's other draft pick, is a 6-foot-8 forward known for his scoring ability. He averaged 13.5 points and shot 40 percent from three last season at Vanderbilt. Jaden Akins, a former Michigan State guard, is another player to watch. Akins earned G-League All-Star honors last season with the Motor City Cruise, averaging 14.7 points and 4.8 assists while shooting just under 36 percent from three. He went undrafted in 2025 and signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Detroit Pistons.