Forward Mohamed Diawara, the 51st overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the New York Knicks, the team announced on Tuesday.
Diawara averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 43.9% shooting from the field in 49 games last season with Cholet Basket of the LNB Pro A. He scored in double figures 13 times, including a season-high 14 points and seven rebounds on May 28.
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The 6-foot-8 Frenchman announced in July that he planned to join the Knicks, rather than spend the 2025-26 season as a draft-and-stash prospect. He is expected to eventually be upgraded to a standard contract, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
Diawara debuted with the Knicks in the NBA Summer League, averaging seven points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals on 40% shooting from the field in four appearances. He finished with nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals on July 19.
The 20-year-old impressed in the annual summer showcase as a player who can handle the ball, finish in transition and space the floor a bit. He also projects to be a versatile defender on the other end of the court, boasting a reported 7-foot, 4-inch wingspan.
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Diawara appears to have secured a place at the end of the roster after a productive run in the desert. He boasts plenty of high-level experience and projects to have a chance to compete for rotation minutes eventually.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Knicks news: No. 51 pick Mohamed Diawara signs Exhibit 10 contract