Minnesota Timberwolves: Ranking 5 former Wolves in NBA bubble
By Josh Tyler
No. 3 – Gorgui Dieng
Stats with Wolves
- Seven seasons, 498 games
- 7.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 blocks per game
Gorgui Dieng was drafted by the Wolves in 2013 with the No. 21 pick. (Feel old yet?)
Dieng mostly filled into the backup center role, but in 2016 he started all 82 games at power forward for new head coach Tom Thibodeau prior to the acquisition of Taj Gibson the following offseason.
Dieng was a good player, but even a better person. He used his platform to create the Gorgui Dieng Foundation, which provides food, shelter, and medical assistance to the children and families of Senegal. Gorgui received the NBA Community Assist Award for his efforts to lift up a poverty-stricken area.
Although Gorgui’s contract isn’t the prettiest sight at four years and $64 million, he clearly understands that the NBA is now a game that’s entirely reliant on the 3-point shot and has continuously expanded his range to fit the modern-day big man role.
Along with old Wolves teammate Tyus Jones, Dieng is now an important part of the Grizzlies rotation as they make their playoff push.