Timberwolves’ Gorgui Dieng deserves more playing time

Timberwolves big man Gorgui Dieng started 82 games a year ago, but after an offseason chock-full of roster moves, the fifth-year man out of Louisville finds himself coming off the bench.

With the signing of Taj Gibson this offseason, Gorgui Dieng has seen a drastic dip in his playing time. However, the most efficient defender on the Timberwolves deserves to see more time on the court than he has been receiving.

Gorgui Dieng has openly admitted his new role with the Wolves hasn’t been easy. He has gone from averaging at least 27 minutes per game over the past three seasons to seeing just 15 minutes per game thus far this season. Until Wednesday’s extended playing time due to foul trouble for Karl-Anthony Towns, his average minutes played was at a mere 13.6.

This would be a struggle to adjust to for any player, of course, but it’s especially a struggle for Dieng after he signed a four-year extension last October and is coming off of a year in which he was the best defender on the Wolves.

In fact, Dieng was among the leagues best on defense last year. He finished 11th in the entire league last season with a 3.52 defensive plus/minus. For a player who was statistically one of the best defenders in the league last season, you’d figure Dieng would continue to be a valuable asset on the starting unit, right?

Wrong. The Wolves had other plans by bringing 32-year-old Taj Gibson into the fold. He took over as the team’s starting power forward this season in place of Dieng. Of course, Gibson hasn’t done a bad job in the starting rotation; that’s not being disputed. However, what is being disputed is that Dieng deserves to see more playing time.

So far this season, Dieng is tied for eighth on the team with 15.1 minutes per game while coming off the bench. For a team who badly needs help on defense, it blows my mind not to see Dieng starting or playing at least 20 minutes per game.

In his limited role this season, Dieng still ranks third on the team in defensive win shares. He ranks higher than four of the team’s five starters as well. As he is still one of the better defenders on the team, it is important for Dieng not to become discouraged by his changed role.

Reports, like the one above, all state that he is doing the best he can to stay positive. He knows that he needs to make the most of every opportunity he is given to earn more playing time. And in case you missed it, he did just that against the Pelicans.

Dieng saw 25 minutes in the Wolves win in New Orleans on Wednesday. He scored 12 points while shooting 4-for-8 from the field while grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out two assists.

Sure, it may be nothing eye-popping. However, Dieng has been a consistent player over the course of his career. Consistency is vital on a team that is young and threatening for a playoff spot such as the Wolves.

Per 36 minutes, Dieng is doing better this season in a few statistical categories than he has over his career. He is shooting 59 percent from two while averaging 15 points, 10.1 total rebounds and 2.4 assists. Over his career per 36 minutes, he has shot 52 percent from two while averaging 12 points, 9.8 total rebounds and 2.2 assists.

You know what you’re getting when a player like Dieng steps on the court: great defense, a solid shot and someone who will give you hustle every second he is out there. Fifteen minutes per game is not enough for someone who offers that package.

The Wolves have a great offense. Now, they need improvement on defense to become a serious threat in the West. Dieng can be a spark on defense while still being on offensive presence.

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All the Wolves need to do is give him some more minutes. He has earned it, after all.