LAS VEGAS — Mohamed Diawara wasn’t in the mood to talk about his new contract. Or his potential.
His performance in Friday’s Summer League opener — a 91-65 defeat against the Nets — was such a dud that the bigger picture was out of focus.
“I got to do way better. At the level we played last season, I got to do way better,” Diawara said. “I can’t play like I played today.”
Indeed, Diawara was a massive disappointment Friday, shooting 1-for-9 — including 1-for-7 from beyond the arc — as the Knicks were outscored by 39 points in his 23 minutes.
Diawara, who this week signed a multiyear contract after his promising rookie season, was one of two players on the Summer League roster on a standard NBA deal.
The other was Pacôme Dadiet, who scored 20 points but was an inefficient 1-for-7 on 3s.
“I think they struggled a little bit. We talk about responding to adversity, we got to respond to adversity,” Knicks Summer League coach TJ Saint said. “They have to respond to adversity tomorrow. They struggled a little bit. They let little things affect them on the defensive end and then it kind of snowballed. So we got to be better. It’s on those two guys and Dillon Jones and me to be better.”
Diawara showed enough promise last season to warrant a fresh four-year, $11.2 million deal.
Still, only the first two seasons are guaranteed and Diawara will have to fight for a rotation spot.
As it stands, he’s low on the projected wing rotation behind OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson.
Diawara offers a unique element because of his 7-foot wingspan, but he understands playing time will require better than Friday’s ugliness.
“Got to be better. I got to work more,” Diawara said. “If I keep working, I will get better. I see a good future but I got to keep going. keep working to be at that level.”
