**Knicks Lose Another Key Personnel to Rival Team**
The New York Knicks have faced another setback this offseason with the departure of a key figure from their front office. Makhtar Ndiaye, who served as the Knicks’ Director of International and Pro Scouting, has announced he is leaving to join the Dallas Mavericks. Ndiaye revealed his decision on X, formerly Twitter, on August 18, expressing gratitude for his nine years with the Knicks.
Ndiaye’s move marks a significant change for the Knicks, as he played a crucial role in scouting and player acquisition during his tenure. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Ndiaye was instrumental in the team’s recent acquisitions of OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo, showcasing his impact on the Knicks’ roster development. Ndiaye’s expertise was particularly valuable given his extensive background in international scouting and player evaluation.
A notable figure in the basketball world, Ndiaye was the first Senegalese player to enter the NBA, having had a brief stint with the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1998 before transitioning to a career in European basketball. After his playing career, Ndiaye became an NBA agent with Wasserman Group, eventually joining the Knicks in 2017. He quickly ascended the ranks, being promoted to his current role in 2021.
The move to the Mavericks represents a new chapter for Ndiaye, who will now take on the role of Director of Pro Personnel and International for Dallas. His departure adds to the Knicks’ recent roster of lost key personnel, following the exit of associate head coach Johnnie Bryant, who recently joined the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bryant’s departure was notable as he left to work with his former Utah Jazz mentor, Donovan Mitchell.
The Knicks have already begun to address the gaps left by these departures. They recently added veteran coach Mo Cheeks to Tom Thibodeau’s staff before Bryant’s move to Cleveland. Additionally, the team has brought in Mark Bryant as a veteran big man coach, aiming to bolster their coaching staff and continue their development on the court.
This offseason has been marked by significant changes for the Knicks, and the loss of Ndiaye to a rival team adds another layer of challenge for the organization as they prepare for the upcoming season. The rivalry between the Knicks and the Mavericks has intensified in recent years, particularly following Jalen Brunson’s departure from Dallas to New York in 2022 and the blockbuster trade involving Kristaps Porzingis in 2019. As both teams navigate these changes, the evolving dynamics will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
