Home NBA Mamadi Diakite Joins Knicks: Boosting Roster Depth for Playoff Push

Mamadi Diakite Joins Knicks: Boosting Roster Depth for Playoff Push

Mamadi Diakite Joins Knicks: Boosting Roster Depth for Playoff Push

Mamadi Diakite Joins Knicks: Boosting Roster Depth for Playoff Push

Mamadi Diakite Signs With Knicks For Remainder Of Season

The New York Knicks have signed forward Mamadi Diakite for the remainder of the season, according to a team announcement. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Diakite, a 24-year-old from Guinea, recently played for the Lakeland Magic of the NBA G League. In 14 games this season, he averaged 18.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Diakite’s strong performances caught the attention of NBA scouts and ultimately secured him a spot with the Knicks.

Before joining the G League, Diakite played college basketball for the University of Virginia. He was a key contributor in Virginia’s run to the NCAA Championship in 2019, where he hit a game-tying jump shot to send the game into overtime against Purdue in the Elite Eight.

Diakite went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft but signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, he was waived by the Bucks during training camp and joined the Lakeland Magic shortly after.

The Knicks, currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, have been looking to boost their roster depth for the remainder of the season. Diakite’s versatility as a forward and his ability to score and defend make him a valuable addition to the team.

With his signing, Diakite becomes the second player from Guinea to ever play in the NBA, following in the footsteps of Tariq Abdul-Wahad. His journey from college basketball to the G League and now to the NBA serves as an inspiration for many young players dreaming of making it to the big league.

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The Knicks hope that Diakite’s energy and skillset will help them maintain their strong position in the Eastern Conference and make a deep playoff run. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Diakite adapts to the NBA level and contributes to the team’s success.

Key Takeaways:
– The New York Knicks have signed forward Mamadi Diakite for the remainder of the season.
– Diakite recently played for the Lakeland Magic of the NBA G League.
– He averaged 18.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in the G League.
– Diakite played college basketball for the University of Virginia and was a key contributor in their NCAA Championship win in 2019.
– He becomes the second player from Guinea to ever play in the NBA.
– The Knicks hope his versatility and skills will strengthen their roster for a strong playoff run.

Mamadi Diakite’s signing with the Knicks marks an exciting chapter in his basketball journey. From his college success to impressing in the G League, Diakite has proven his worth and earned this opportunity. As he joins the top-ranked Knicks, fans eagerly anticipate the impact he will bring to the team’s performance. With his talent, determination, and the support of his new teammates, Diakite has the potential to make a significant contribution in their quest for a deep playoff run.