Rising to the Occasion – Gorgui Dieng & Dion Waiters

With a lengthy NBA season closing in on its final stance, teams find themselves in various situations. Whether preparing for the playoffs, fighting for a playoff spot or rebuilding for next season, I always find this time interesting. It gives GM’s and coaches a chance to find out a bunch on their team’s players and character. Recently I’ve been viewing teams who are unlikely to be in the playoffs, and those players under the radar making the most of every chance presented.
Injuries to starters can also provide an opportunity to those role players, whom just wait in the wings for a spot in the rotation. Take for example Gorgui Dieng of the Minnesota Timberwolves. A rookie who barely was mentioned this year, however when Nikola Pekovic went down with an ankle injury in early March, Dieng was handed his chance. In his first 42 games Dieng averaged a mere 1.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.3 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.

 

In essence since Dieng has started, there has been a notable difference in his statistic averages and impact on the court. Obviously playing alongside Kevin Love benefits Dieng, and the capabilities Love brings with attracting double-teams, whilst giving Dieng the open space in the paint. Statistically, for a rookie he has put up some great numbers in his last 10 games benefiting from the increased minutes with averages of 12.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

 

Dieng was today named Western Conference Rookie of the Month honours for March, recording five double-doubles in six starts that also included the Wolves’ first rookie 20-20 game.

 

We see his opportunity has raised awareness of his value and reputation in this league. Fair enough, ten games are not enough, and we may quickly jump to conclusions. However, surely we can pass up that potential shown by Dieng, and what his statistics would look like over a possible 82 games next season with these increased minutes. His rebounding efforts and efficiency have given the Timberwolves much to think about this off-season. Possibly allowing more flexibility in terms of the contract situation with Love considering leaving town to LA, and where Dieng would fit within the rotation.

 

Consider that the Wolves this past summer paid Nikola Pekovic with a new five-year contract that could be worth more than $60 million after incentives. Would it be worth it to trade Pekovic’s contract and hope that Love stays put? That is a decision I’ll leave for the Timberwolves front office.