The Knicks haven't stepped on the court in less than two months, but the wait for the defending champions is about to end sooner than many anticipated. The Washington Wizards announced they will host New York on September 8 as part of preseason play, making this the earliest exhibition revealed for the Knicks so far. With the team set to return to action in just two months, the countdown has begun.

Preseason games typically don't carry heavy weight, but for players whose roles are still fluid, they represent a critical proving ground. That reality should light a fire under Mohamed Diawara, especially after his forgettable showing in Summer League. The young French wing managed just 3.5 points per game on a brutal 7.1% shooting from the field and 10% from beyond the arc over two appearances. He attempted 14 shots in total, getting plenty of chances, but simply couldn't convert. That performance was jarring for a player who has generated significant buzz with his flashes of potential. Many observers believe Diawara possesses the most intriguing upside among the Knicks' young core, and he could eventually become a fixture in New York's rotation. The team reinforced that belief by signing him to a four-year extension this offseason. Yet his struggles against inferior competition in Las Vegas set off alarm bells, raising questions about whether he felt he had already "made it" after the extension and took his preparation lightly.

Whatever the reason, Diawara won't have the same margin for error when the regular season begins. The Knicks brought back every player who stands in his way of more minutes, a clear message that he must earn his spot. Preseason offers a chance to start building that case. The level of competition will be a step up from Summer League, but the stakes are lower, so a strong showing could erase doubts about his Vegas performance. Diawara will also benefit from playing alongside the Knicks' established stars, which should create better looks for him, while still getting plenty of opportunities with bench units. Sharing the floor with Jalen Brunson and the rest of the starters might elevate his game by proxy, something that wasn't possible in Summer League where the roster was a mix of fringe players.

But a good preseason is not guaranteed. Diawara has the tools - playmaking, attacking the basket, and shooting - but he must put them to use consistently. He even struggled during garbage time in the postseason, underscoring the work ahead before he can be considered for a legitimate rotation role. That makes the next month and a half before training camp essential. The effort he puts in now will directly affect how ready he is to make headway early in the season. Encouragingly, Diawara has been spotted working on his game, with recent footage showing him focusing on his three-point shot and looking sharp. The news that preseason is just two months away should provide extra motivation for the youngster to do everything he can to hit the ground running when the team gathers again.