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5 things to know about Timberwolves big man Gorgui Dieng

By Jake Paynting

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) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 27: NBA Commissioner David Stern shakes hands with Gorgui Dieng who is drafted number 21 overall by the Utah Jazz during the 2013 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 27, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 27: NBA Commissioner David Stern shakes hands with Gorgui Dieng who is drafted number 21 overall by the Utah Jazz during the 2013 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 27, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Dieng was drafted by … the Utah Jazz?

Although he has played every single one of his NBA games for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gorgui Dieng was actually selected with the 21st selection by the Utah Jazz back in 2013.

The Timberwolves had pick #9 in that draft, which they used to select Trey Burke — unusual for a team with point guards Ricky Rubio and Timberwolves (not-so?) fan-favorite J.J. Barea already on the roster.

What ensued was a draft night trade that saw Burke head to Utah for the 14th and 21st pick. Dieng was taken at 21, with fellow current Wolf Shabazz Muhammad picked up at 14.

(Another one of the late great Flip Saunders’ master strokes. Rest In Peace, Flip.)

Muhammad and Dieng remain critical pieces of the Timberwolves to this day, with Muhammad signing a veteran’s minimum deal to return to Minnesota this summer and Dieng sitting on a fat four-year, $64 million contract.

He may have put the Jazz cap on his head on draft night, but Gorgui Dieng has proven to be a loyal Wolf, embracing whatever role he has been given. The Wolves fans should feel grateful for the Flip Saunders magic that lead to Dieng’s arrival in Minnesota.

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