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Minnesota Timberwolves: Power Rankings: Oct.18 – Oct. 22

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Butler
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Butler /
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SHENZHEN, CHINA – OCTOBER 05: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Universidade Center on October 5, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. 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 Zhong Zhi/Getty Images
SHENZHEN, CHINA – OCTOBER 05: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Universidade Center on October 5, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. 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 Zhong Zhi/Getty Images /

8. Gorgui Dieng

Weekly averages: 13.7 MPG – 4.0 PPG – 3.7 RPG – 1.3 APG – 30.8% FG – 60% FT

After a promising preseason, Gorgui Dieng has had a turbulent transition to backup center, after spending much of last year playing as the starting power forward.

He hasn’t looked like his usual self out on the floor, and Dieng may still be adjusting to the life of earning bench minutes after he averaged a career-high 32.4 last season.

Dieng has struggled mightily with his shot, shooting well below normal from all areas. He did have 7 points and 3 rebounds in the big win against OKC, but he still only converted two of his six shots.

Perhaps the biggest worry so far for Dieng is that he is yet to block a single shot this season.

As a guy who has averaged 1.2 blocks per game for his career, and a team with the 10th worst defensive rating in the league, Dieng will need to pick up his game as the season progresses. He has been reliable on both ends so far in his NBA career, so the odds look good that he will improve as he gets more comfortable with his role.

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