Minnesota Timberwolves power rankings: There’s a new sheriff in town

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 27: Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves passes the ball away from Russell Westbrook #0 and Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder while laying on the court during the game on October 27, 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)

8. Gorgui Dieng (8)

Season averages: 13.5 MPG – 5.3 PPG – 3.8 RPG – 0.2 BPG – 50% FG – 25% 3PT – 71.4% FT

Weekly average: 13.2 MPG – 6.7 PPG – 4.0 RPG – 0.3 BPG – 69.2% FG – 100% FT

The adjustment from starting power forward to back-up center has continued to progress this week for Gorgui Dieng, although not enough to shift his position in the power rankings.

Dieng averaged slightly less minutes this week, but improved in virtually every category.

His 69 percent field goal mark will be a huge plus for Wolves fans, who will be looking for Dieng to provide even more than the 6.7 points per contest that he produced this week.

Feels like Gorgui Dieng is often involved in Wolves’ best ball movement sequences.. 2 straight possessions where he finds Wigg open for 3PA
— Jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) October 22, 2017

The ball movement and defensive reliability are products of Dieng’s knowledge of Thibs system and basketball IQ, but his -8.0 Plus/Minus outlines his struggles, which are very much still there with a bench unit that has struggled all season.

Dieng will need to keep progressing in his new found role in order to settle some of the Wolves defensive and bench woes.