3. Keep that starting spot
Each preseason game this year was a little different from the last. Somtimes, the stars played less than 15 minutes. In the last game, the third-stringers got an extended run. At times, the team played great and at times they played horribly. All standard preseason things, of course.
The one thing that remained a constant though was the starting lineup.
Gibson was one of those starters, accompanied by Jeff Teague, Andrew Wiggins, Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns. Making it seem likely that he will be the starter come opening night (which is so close!).
Interesting that Taj Gibson starts alongside Towns, probably is the best fit
— podge (@HodgepodgeHoops) October 1, 2017
It has been a hot topic around Timberwolves fan circles this offseason, with incumbent starter Gorgui Dieng proving every season that he can comfortably play starters minutes in this league.
Dieng has been fantastic about coming off the bench, and has unselfishly put the team ahead of himself. It’s not just Dieng’s attitude that has been great for the Timberwolves this preseason though, his numbers off the bench thus far have been exceptional.
According to NBA stats, Dieng is averaging 11.8 points and eight rebounds (2.3 offensive) as well as shooting 52 percent from the field, 50 percent from beyond the arc, and 87 percent from the free throw line — all far higher than his career averages.
A small sample size obviously needs to be taken in to consideration, but if Dieng can produce anything close to these numbers then he will have no problems adjusting to life with Gibson as the starting power forward.
Gibson has been just as damaging as in his starting role, averaging over 13 points, bringing his usual stingy defense, and splashing the aforementioned 3-ball. (Good to see ‘Bazz still getting those buckets.)
The signs look good early for Gibson to retain his starting spot throughout the year. It won’t come easily, but with a competent starter in Dieng behind him, as well as Nemanja Bjelica and even rookie Justin Patton looking to stake their claim as reliable NBA players, any stretches where Gibson is not up to scratch may cost him.
Gibson has started 245 out of a possible 585 games in his career, so he knows how to adjust his game to different situations. This will be a huge help to the Timberwolves who can use their two revolving big men as a constant toughness down low.
Gibson can work as a starting glue-guy or a prominent bench man, but with the go-ahead from Coach Thibs to begin the season as the starter, Gibson must convert this opportunity.
We hope to see him have an enjoyable first year as the Wolves starting four.