Mohamed

Diawara

Diawara, who had his moments during the 2025-26 regular season before falling out of the rotation for the team’s title run, injured his left ring finger during Summer League. While he did need to undergo surgery, the wing has already returned to the court and is expected to be fully ready when the Knicks open training camp in late September. There should once again be opportunities for Diawara to contribute during the regular season, but he is not a player to select in redraft leagues.

With returnees Mohamed Diawara (zero points, five rebounds, one assist and one block) and Pacôme Dadiet struggling mightily, Nickel has been one of the few bright spots for the Knicks in Las Vegas. After knocking down six three-pointers in Friday’s loss to the Nets, the second-round pick hit four more on Saturday. Putting capable shooters around Jalen Brunson has been a priority of the Knicks’ decision-makers since signing the point guard, and Nickel certainly fits the mold.

While the Nets were able to flip to switch offensively after halftime, the Knicks continued to struggle, shooting 28 percent from the field on the day. Dadiet’s 20 points were the team’s highest, but he needed 16 attempts to reach that total. Like Mohamed Diawara (seven points, six rebounds and one three-pointer), Dadiet is hoping to earn a shot at consistent rotation opportunities next season for the reigning champs. That makes this summer critical for both, and Friday’s performances were lacking.

While Diawara was not in the Knicks’ playoff rotation during the team’s run to the NBA title, he did have his moments during the regular season. As a result, there was some intrigue as restricted free agency approached. However, according to Monday’s report, the rookie will not even test those waters, as he has decided to return to the New York on a multi-year deal. Nothing has been confirmed, but early reports indicate the contract is four years long. While Diawara is worth rostering in dynasty leagues, his redraft league value will depend in part on whether the Knicks can re-sign Landry Shamet.

Shamet has been added to the lengthy list of Knicks players who won’t play in a game that won’t affect the team’s playoff seeding. His absence frees up playing time for Mohamed Diawara and Pacôme Dadiet, with the former offering a higher ceiling for those in active fantasy leagues.

Of the Knicks’ five starters, Bridges may be the only one guaranteed to play in Sunday’s game against the Hornets, preserving his consecutive games played streak. However, fantasy managers in active leagues who are rostering Bridges should not expect him to play starters’ minutes. Jordan Clarkson (10/1/4) and Mohamed Diawara (3/1/1/1) are likely to see their opportunities increase in the regular season finale.

Making his first appearance in a game since January 27 after undergoing sports hernia surgery, McBride may have aggravated the issue during Sunday’s loss to the Thunder. The good news is that he’s questionable for Tuesday’s game. If McBride can’t play on Tuesday, Jordan Clarkson and Mohamed Diawara would see their minutes increase.

Sunday’s game was the first for McBride since January 27, as he was returning from sports hernia surgery. During a scramble for a loose ball, the Knicks guard reached for his inner thigh area. While he was able to walk back to the bench without assistance, McBride did so gingerly. He did not return to the bench after heading to the locker room, and the severity of McBride’s injury is unknown. If he heads back to the sidelines, those minutes are likely to go to Jordan Clarkson, as Mohamed Diawara’s playing time has decreased recently.

Shamet has missed New York’s last three games with a knee injury, and he appears likely to sit out a fourth when the Knicks visit the Thunder on Sunday. Jordan Clarkson and Mohamed Diawara have moved up in the rotation, but neither has been consistent enough offensively to merit streaming in most leagues.

Thursday’s game will be the third that Shamet has missed due to a tibial plateau contusion in his right knee. Jordan Clarkson and Mohamed Diawara are the players who will absorb those minutes, with the former having taken on more playing time recently.