Knicks Sign Jeremy Sochan, Rookie Diawara Loses Rotation Spot

Veteran forward Sochan to get opportunity, while promising rookie Diawara will see reduced minutes.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The New York Knicks have signed veteran forward Jeremy Sochan, who will get a chance to earn playing time in the team's rotation. This move comes at the expense of rookie Mohamed Diawara, who has been a pleasant surprise this season but will now see his minutes reduced to accommodate Sochan's arrival.

Why it matters

The Knicks are looking to bolster their frontcourt depth and playoff push by adding the experienced Sochan, even if it means taking minutes away from the promising young Diawara. This highlights the team's win-now mentality as they aim to secure a postseason berth.

The details

Sochan, a 22-year-old in his fourth NBA season, will get an opportunity to earn playing time despite the Knicks' crowded frontcourt. Head coach Mike Brown cited Sochan's experience and two-way abilities as reasons for prioritizing him over the 20-year-old Diawara, who has been a pleasant surprise this season. Diawara has been shooting 41.3% from 3-point range and averaging 20 minutes per game in the past five contests, but Brown said he will 'play young guys' and 'give Jeremy an opportunity' to contribute.

  • The Knicks signed Sochan prior to their game against the 76ers on February 18, 2026.

The players

Jeremy Sochan

A 22-year-old forward in his fourth NBA season, who the Knicks signed to bolster their frontcourt depth and playoff push.

Mohamed Diawara

A 20-year-old rookie forward who has been a pleasant surprise for the Knicks this season, flashing two-way potential with a 7-foot-4 wingspan and shooting 41.3% from 3-point range.

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, who will be tasked with integrating Sochan into the rotation while managing the minutes of young players like Diawara.

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What they’re saying

“I'll play young guys, and I have played young guys in front of vets before. But I'm going to give Jeremy an opportunity.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks (New York Post)

“When you look at Jeremy, you like his size right off the bat. Especially for a power forward. OG is of that size. But nobody else really is of that size. And you look at the versatility, over the years he's been able to guard [every position]. So to have that versatility on that end of the floor — it's huge.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks (New York Post)

“We've talked a lot and it's just seizing whatever opportunity I can get. And I think one of the reasons I picked New York is it's a really deep roster, a lot of really talented players. I think it's a pretty cool opportunity to watch and grow from that too.”

— Jeremy Sochan (New York Post)

What’s next

The Knicks will have to determine Sochan's role and playing time as they integrate him into the rotation, while also managing the minutes of young players like Diawara.

The takeaway

The Knicks' addition of veteran forward Jeremy Sochan signals their win-now mentality as they push for the playoffs, even if it means reducing the role of a promising young player like Mohamed Diawara. This move highlights the team's desire to balance developing young talent with prioritizing short-term success.