Pacôme Dadiet on Knicks, Diawara… and a National Team Choice Already Made
NBA - Pacôme Dadiet discussed his situation with the Knicks, his relationship with Mohamed Diawara and his international future. The French-Ivorian has confirmed that his national team choice has already been made, without yet announcing it publicly.
Photo Credit : © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Pacôme Dadiet continues to learn in the shadows with the Knicks. Sparingly used in the NBA but highly productive in the G League, the 20-year-old forward took advantage of an interview with BeBasket to assess his season, his environment… and his international future, which has already been decided.
A National Team Choice Already Made, But Kept Secret
This is undoubtedly the most significant information from this interview. Pacôme Dadiet confirmed that his decision regarding his national team has been made for some time.
« I knew I had to make this choice for quite a while now. Now, it’s just a matter of announcing it. My choice has been made for a long time. »
While he still maintains public suspense, the clues are clear. Despite discussions with the French team, everything suggests that the young forward should follow in his family’s footsteps and represent Ivory Coast, like his brother Maxence.
A Season Between Frustration and Learning with the Knicks
On the sporting front, Pacôme Dadiet is experiencing a mixed second season in New York. With only 4 minutes per game average in the NBA (1.2 points on 36.4% shooting in 24 games), he must deal with strong competition.
« Of course, I want to play. But I arrived on a very competitive team. We play to win. »
Without getting discouraged, he emphasizes his mindset and ability to stay focused on his development.
« I’m focused on what I can control, working hard. I also have G-League games that help me get repetitions. »
The G-League to Excel and Build Confidence
Regularly sent to Westchester, Pacôme Dadiet finds a completely different role there. In 17 games, he averages 21.2 points, with a recent peak of 31 points, his professional career high.
« I try to be very aggressive and have confidence in all the work I’m doing. »
An ideal proving ground to continue his progression, in a league he describes as a succession of opportunities.
« It’s a league of opportunities here. I try to approach every game with the same mentality. »
Mohamed Diawara, a Brother Who Became a Model of Success
In this context, Pacôme Dadiet can rely on familiar faces, starting with Mohamed Diawara. The two players share a common journey since youth categories, in Charenton (U15), Paris (U18) and even on French youth national teams.
« Mohamed is someone I consider a brother. We grew up together. »
Lucid, he highlights his compatriot’s current success, who managed to carve out a place in the rotation more quickly.
« What he’s accomplished here is really impressive. Everything he has today, he deserves. »
A healthy relationship, based on mutual support despite momentarily different trajectories.
« We don’t have to step on each other. It feels good to have a brother by your side during the tougher moments. »
Learning Alongside NBA Veterans
Beyond Diawara, Pacôme Dadiet is also absorbing experience from established players. Guerschon Yabusele‘s stint left an impression on him.
« He gave us a tremendous amount of advice. He’s someone who has experienced every situation in the NBA. »
Today, he continues to observe and learn from leaders like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby or Miles McBride, who came through the G-League.
« I try to draw a lot of inspiration from his journey. »
In a competitive environment, the French-Ivorian is moving forward step by step, with patience, hard work and opportunities to seize.
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