The New York Knicks announced on Thursday that DaQuan Jeffries and Mamadi Diakite to 10-day contracts. Jeffries has been in and out of the Knicks’ system over the past two years and appeared in 13 games with the NBA club earlier this season. In that (playing just under three minutes a game), Jeffries averaged 0.8 points and 0.4 rebounds while getting most of his work done on the G League level, where he’s putting up 22 and 5.9 respectively in 14 regular season appearances with Westchester.
Diakite, who was also stationed in Westchester and averaged 12 points and 8.6 rebounds in seven games, will be joining Jeffries. Diakite participated in three games earlier this season with the San Antonio Spurs in addition to his 14 outings with the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship team in 2021.
Head coach Kenny Payne of the Lousiville Cardinals men’s basketball program is anticipated to leave the position, according to insider Jeff Goodman of Field of 68.
The 57-year-old was an assistant coach during the first two seasons of Tom Thibodeau’s tenure with the New York Knicks. He had a terrible time leading the Cardinals, going 12-53 in those two seasons (including 5-35 in ACC play). If Payne’s career is actually over, it ended with a 94-85 loss to North Carolina State in the ACC Tournament’s first round.
Tuesday night (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT) the Philadelphia 76ers will be going all out to sweep a quick doubleheader against the New York Knicks.
After missing four games due to a concussion, Maxey is expected to play against the Knicks on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Following Joel Embiid’s ongoing absence, Maxey, who recently earned All-Star recognition, has been charged with carrying the load. He is averaging 26 points and a team-best 6.3 assists.
Philadelphia (36-28) defeated the Knicks 79-73 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, moving them up to sixth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. This season’s fourth and final match between the divisional rivals will take place on Tuesday.
