Draft night at Madison Square Garden always stirs up excitement, even if the New York Knicks came into 2025 with just one pick. Fans buzzed with hope, worry, and every emotion in between as the Knicks used their only selection at No. 51 to take Mohamed Diawara, a 20-year-old forward from France.
Our Bronx slip and fall attorneys know evaluation matters — and so does due diligence. That’s exactly what this night was about for the Knicks’ front office: balancing upside with practicality.
Below, we’ll unpack what Diawara brings, the surprise addition of Dink Pate, how these moves fit into the team’s plans, and how fans and analysts reacted.
Mohamed Diawara: The Knicks’ Lone Draft Pick
Mohamed Diawara might not be a household name, but his physical tools make him impossible to ignore. Standing 6’8” with a massive 7’4” wingspan, Diawara can guard every position on the floor. His defense-first mentality stood out in pre-draft workouts; as he told reporters, “I just love defense.”
On offense, Diawara showed flashes of improvement. He bumped his 3-point shooting percentage from 20% to 31%, a promising sign that he can stretch the floor. His ball-handling has also led some scouts to call him a “big guard,” hinting at potential in transition or secondary playmaking.
That said, Diawara is a raw prospect. The Knicks are likely to draft-and-stash him overseas, allowing him to continue developing without taking up a roster spot or salary cap space. Summer League, starting July 11, will be his first big test. A strong showing could earn him a training camp invite — or help the Knicks decide he needs another year abroad before coming stateside.
Draft-Night Trades & Strategy
Draft night wasn’t completely quiet: the Knicks pulled off a minor swap, moving from pick No. 50 to 51 in a trade with the Clippers to land Diawara. The move didn’t generate headlines, but it underscored the team’s focus on getting their guy while managing resources.
With one of the highest payrolls in the league and no first-round picks, the Knicks looked determined to limit luxury-tax impacts. By adding a stashable second-rounder like Diawara, or possibly securing the rights to a veteran overseas player (rumored names like Luka Mitrovic popped up), the front office aimed to keep long-term flexibility.
Meanwhile, the ongoing head coach search loomed large. Without a coach in place, this front office clearly leaned toward prospects who can defend and fit into a system yet to be finalized.
Dink Pate: The Undrafted Addition
As the dust settled on the second round, the Knicks signed 19-year-old guard Dink Pate to an Exhibit-10 contract. Pate is an intriguing prospect from the G-League Ignite program, standing 6’6” with a near 6’10” wingspan. He averaged 10.3 points and 4.8 rebounds playing in Mexico City, showing glimpses of athleticism and playmaking that remind some of AJ Johnson, another young guard on NBA radars.
But Pate’s outside shooting remains shaky — he hit just 30% from three. The Knicks see him as a project who could benefit from time in Westchester or another G-League affiliate, adding another developmental piece while they sort out future roster needs once the coaching situation is resolved.
Fan & Media Reaction
Fan responses ranged from confusion to cautious optimism. Sports Illustrated graded the Diawara pick a “C-,” citing limited production and a risky profile. Analysts across multiple outlets highlighted how unexpected the pick felt, especially since Diawara wasn’t projected by many to be drafted.
On the flip side, some praised his elite length and defensive potential. Social media lit up with YouTube reaction videos labeling the pick “shocking” or “quiet,” depending on the perspective.
Meanwhile, the signing of Pate generated curiosity among Knicks fans eager to find out if he could become a diamond in the rough, especially given his youth and raw tools.
What These Moves Mean for the Knicks
Taken together, Diawara and Pate signal the Knicks’ commitment to youth and defensive upside. Rather than chasing immediate help, they prioritized long-term development and financial flexibility.
With the luxury tax looming, these low-cost, high-upside prospects give the team options — whether it’s stashing Diawara overseas or giving Pate a chance to grow in the G-League.
The coach search remains the biggest domino. Once a new head coach is hired, the team will need to decide how to fold these young players into rotations or keep them developing outside the NBA roster until they’re ready.
Conclusion
The Knicks used draft night to bet on potential, selecting a defense-minded forward in Mohamed Diawara and adding an athletic guard in Dink Pate, both moves aimed squarely at long-term development. Whether you agree or disagree, smart planning is key, akin to how a Bronx slip and fall attorney guides clients through complex cases with attention to detail.
The payoff might not come immediately, but these moves show the Knicks are thinking carefully about their future. And if you or someone you know is injured at a game or crowded event, Bronx Injury Lawyers, P.C. is ready to assist, like a trusted Bronx slip and fall attorney by your side.