Mohamed Diawara

Diawara is a French forward who reached the NBA as a second-round pick in 2025 after developing through the French club system. Drafted by the Clippers and traded to the New York Knicks, he won the 2026 NBA Finals in his rookie season, adding a championship ring to a rapid professional ascent.

Born on April 29, 2005, Diawara began his basketball career with La Domremy Basket 13 in Paris and later played for Saint Charles Basket in Charenton-le-Pont. In the 2020-21 season, he trained at the French academy INSEP and moved to Paris Basketball in 2021, making his first appearances in the French first division in the 2021-22 season. In the summer of 2022, he was named the best player at the Basketball Without Borders camp in Milan, organized by FIBA and the NBA.

In December 2023, Diawara was loaned to second-division club Poitiers Basket 86 after receiving limited playing time in Paris. He signed with first-division club Cholet Basket during the 2024 summer break. On June 26, 2025, the Los Angeles Clippers selected him 51st overall in the NBA draft and traded his rights to the New York Knicks.

Diawara made his NBA debut with the Knicks and contributed as a depth forward during their championship run. On December 29, 2025, he scored a career-high 18 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, making all four of his three-point shots. On June 13, 2026, he and the Knicks won the NBA Finals, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1. He also won bronze with France at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup.

Diawara is a versatile forward with size, shooting touch, and defensive mobility. At 6 feet 9 inches, he has the length to guard multiple positions and the shooting range to stretch the floor. His rapid development from the French second division to NBA champion reflects his work ethic and adaptability. He projects as a rotation forward who provides energy, shooting, and positional defense.