LAS VEGAS — Mohamed Diawara wasn’t within the temper to speak about his new contract. Or his potential.
His efficiency in Friday’s Summer time League opener — a 91-65 defeat towards the Nets — was such a dud that the larger image was out of focus.
“I received to do method higher. On the stage we performed final season, I received to do method higher,” Diawara stated. “I can’t play like I performed immediately.”
Certainly, Diawara was a large disappointment Friday, capturing 1-for-9 — together with 1-for-7 from past the arc — because the Knicks have been outscored by 39 factors in his 23 minutes.
Diawara, who this week signed a multiyear contract after his promising rookie season, was certainly one of two gamers on the Summer time League roster on a regular NBA deal.
The opposite was Pacôme Dadiet, who scored 20 factors however was an inefficient 1-for-7 on 3s.
“I believe they struggled slightly bit. We speak about responding to adversity, we received to answer adversity,” Knicks Summer time League coach TJ Saint stated. “They’ve to answer adversity tomorrow. They struggled slightly bit. They let little issues have an effect on them on the defensive finish after which it type of snowballed. So we received to be higher. It’s on these two guys and Dillon Jones and me to be higher.”
Diawara confirmed sufficient promise final season to warrant a contemporary four-year, $11.2 million deal.
Nonetheless, solely the primary two seasons are assured and Diawara should battle for a rotation spot.
Because it stands, he’s low on the projected wing rotation behind OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson.
Diawara presents a singular component due to his 7-foot wingspan, however he understands taking part in time would require higher than Friday’s ugliness.
“Acquired to be higher. I started working extra,” Diawara stated. “If I maintain working, I’ll get higher. I see an excellent future however I received to maintain going. maintain working to be at that stage.”
