Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: Top defensive lineup

BySam Nygaard|
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 9: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves scores a basket over Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the basketball game at Staples Center April 9, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 9: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves scores a basket over Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the basketball game at Staples Center April 9, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Gorgui Dieng

Gorgui Dieng has mainly played at the power forward position over the last couple of years due to Karl Anthony Towns anchoring down the center role, but Gorgui Dieng is well-suited to play the at the five spot and protect the rim on defense.

Last season, Dieng’s defensive play was one of the few positives about the Wolves’ disappointing showing on the defensive side of the ball, and it didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named the Dunking With Wolves Defensive Player of the Year.

Weighing in at a mere 240 pounds, he could stand to fill out his 6-foot-11 frame a little more, but he will never back down to the challenge of defending guys at least 50 pounds heavier. Most games during this past season, Gorgui was tasked with defending the opposition’s best big man and he always held his own.

In the 2016-2017 campaign, Dieng ranked eleventh in the league in real defensive plus-minus, ahead of Deandre Jordan, Hassan Whiteside, Dwight Howard, and plenty of other big-name defenders.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: Predicting the schedule (part 1)

Although he is currently battling Taj Gibson for the starting power forward slot, Dieng will make a huge defensive impact for the Wolves whether he is coming off the bench or starting on the court.