Knicks Roundup: Diawara’s Breakout, Towns’ All-Star Preference, Bridges-Brown Dialogue, Robinson Out
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Rookie forward Mohamed Diawara, taken 51st overall in June with a pick acquired from the Clippers, admitted he was uncertain on draft night despite positive feedback from 13 predraft workouts. “I was hoping to get drafted but I had no clue if I would at all,” he told The Athletic.
The 20-year-old delivered his best performance of the season Monday, starting and posting 18 points and two steals in 18 minutes during New York’s five-point win over New Orleans. Diawara is on a one-year contract and will hit restricted free agency this summer. Head coach Mike Brown praised the French prospect’s instincts, length and work ethic, saying, “Everything you try to teach him, he tries to absorb it.”
Elsewhere, center Karl-Anthony Towns said he hopes to make the All-Star Game and, under the league’s new format, suit up for the World team. The New Jersey native has consistently represented the Dominican Republic, his mother’s homeland, in international play.
Mikal Bridges described recent “good conversations” with Brown that have strengthened their relationship. “Right now is probably the most I’ve been close with Mike,” the forward said, noting a constructive meeting before Christmas. Bridges signed a four-year, $150 million extension in August.
Meanwhile, center Mitchell Robinson will miss Wednesday’s game against San Antonio, his second straight absence, as the team manages a left ankle issue. The Knicks said Robinson has not suffered a setback but are acting cautiously during a congested stretch of games.
Guards Josh Hart (right ankle sprain) and Landry Shamet (right shoulder sprain) remain sidelined.
Source: HoopsRumors
