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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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 24: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Al Jefferson #25 of the Indiana Pacers during the game on October 24, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 24: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Al Jefferson #25 of the Indiana Pacers during the game on October 24, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Dieng was an underrated defender last season

Gorgui Dieng’s under the radar defense went almost unnoticed last season as the Timberwolves defensive struggles as a team weren’t flattering for any player.

It would have been a lot worse without Dieng, however.

The Minnesota defense, even with Dieng, ended the season as the fourth-worst team in defensive rating. With Dieng off the court, it was even more disastrous.

According to Basketball Reference, the Wolves opposition worked at a 111 offensive rating, and when Dieng traveled to the to the pine the same opposition’s rating went up to 114.1.

He also ended up sitting 11th in the entire league in ESPN’s Defensive Real Plus-Minus.That ranks in front of elite defenders like Deandre Jordan, Chris Paul and Myles Turner. It’s proof that although the Wolves have struggled on defense the last few years, it isn’t necessaarily Dieng’s fault.

He can’t hold it up all by himself, however.

Now, with defensive-minded veteran Taj Gibson taking away his starting minutes, Dieng will have even more onus on him to anchor the second unit on both ends of the floor — but mainly on his preferred side, the defensive end.

Next: Early Season Ponderings: Enjoy the journey

The new pairing of big men should give the Timberwolves a layer of defense that they didn’t have last season, even with Dieng’s clear improvement under Tom Thibodeau. The talented big man will continue to provide Timberwolves fans with a familiar consistency, and for that we are thankful.

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