Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
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BloopOracle
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Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
does anyone has insider access to post the article by David Thorpe?
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A Friendly Flatulence [enjin:8907904]
- Posts: 208
- Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:00 am
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/67248/oh-diengnot the article but a truehoop video
pretty awesome if you ask me
pretty awesome if you ask me
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
A Friendly Flatulence wrote:http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/67248/oh-diengnot the article but a truehoop video
pretty awesome if you ask me
AWESOME Video!!! Thanks for posting it!
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
Despite the crushing disappointment of missing the playoffs, Minnesota has a lot to be proud of and excited about as it looks forward. Kevin Love has had a career year and is one of the top power forwards in the game. Also, the team's starting five performed better than most top units in the NBA this season despite Ricky Rubio not getting much better.
The Timberwolves' best news, though, has come in the form of their rookie center out of Louisville, Gorgui Dieng, who has exploded onto the scene and will now play a huge role in Minnesota's future plans -- a role that could also have a big impact on Love's decision whether to stay in the Twin Cities.
Dieng's defense
Before diving into how Dieng can help Minnesota keep Love, let's look at what the 6-foot-11 rookie has done since getting serious playing time. When Nikola Pekovic went down with an injury a few months ago, his initial replacements failed to deliver. So Rick Adelman turned to Dieng almost as a last resort in mid-March. In seven games as a starter, Dieng has averaged 12 points, 13.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game -- in just 32.7 minutes per game. He won Rookie of the Month honors for March and proved he at least belongs in the rotation going forward, while making a case that he's good enough to start in this league.
His first start came in a win against Sacramento when Dieng posted a double-double along with five blocked shots -- and it's the blocks that are the key going forward.
Shot-blocking is the single-most vulnerable part of the Wolves' starting unit (including Pekovic), which has a positive adjusted plus-minus of over 12 points (per 48 minutes) - a number that could end up leading the league at season's end. For most of the season, they ranked from ninth to 11th in defensive efficiency (they are now down to 13th) despite being dead last in field goal percentage at the rim and in shots blocked per game.
Perimeter players drive recklessly into the paint against the Wolves, knowing there is no one at the rim to block or bother their finishes. With Dieng in the game, that is not the case. Once he learns the overall NBA game and, more pressingly, what opposing centers like to do, it is possible to imagine Dieng helping the Wolves become a top-six defensive team for an entire season (a significant improvement considering how crucial each win can be in the loaded West).
Dieng's offense
On offense, Dieng will never be Pekovic's equal, at least inside the paint -- Pek is a big reason why Minnesota has been top 10 in offensive efficiency all season. But Dieng is not Joel Anthony or Omer Asik either and has to be accounted for on the offensive end. While he isn't a great finisher yet, he looks like he'll be able to grow into one soon thanks to his great touch. Dieng can make jumpers, too, as he showed in college.
ROOKIE 50 RANKINGS
We're keeping track of every NBA rook. Here are the latest Top 50 rankings.
Rank Player Stock
1 Michael Carter-Williams
2 Victor Oladipo
3 Mason Plumlee
4 Tim Hardaway Jr.
5 Nick Calathes
6 Kelly Olynyk
7 Trey Burke
8 Nate Wolters
9 Gorgui Dieng
10 Cody Zeller
o Click here for the complete rankings »
Lately, he has been trying to beat defenders who press up on him on perimeter catches with quick attacks to the rim. He has been whistled for some travels on those moves (with some bad calls mixed in), but his quick feet and aggressive mindset must please his coaches. These are moves he can improve and learn to execute cleanly for years.
The Wolves would not likely be as good on offense with Dieng replacing Pekovic, but they wouldn't slip much because their other star offensive players would get more touches. Plus, the improvement Dieng would bring on the defensive end would likely make up for it.
Dieng's value
Dieng's sudden and impressive emergence has created an asset for Minnesota that it hasn't had recently -- a valuable trade chip. And it's not Dieng. It's Pek.
Because of Dieng's above-the-rim defensive presence, he's a better complement to Love in Minnesota's frontcourt. So, naturally, teams with rim-protecting power forwards could become intrigued if Pek becomes available. Pekovic is a legitimate first/second option low-post player who now has a terrific turnaround jumper. He's also a solid low-post defender and rebounder and one of the elite offensive glass eaters in the league.
Think about the teams who need someone like that. Imagine him partnering with an athletic phenom like Anthony Davis in New Orleans. Or alongside Tristan Thompson in Cleveland, with Kyrie Irving running ballscreens with him. Pek could allow Derrick Favors to move to the power forward spot full time in Utah, perhaps helping him reach the level of play everyone expected for him. He'd also work well next to Al Horford or Joakim Noah -- two gifted defenders who can play both post positions on either end of court.
It may sound blasphemous, but if OKC fails to get to the Finals this year with a healthy Russell Westbrook, is it too crazy to think about a Pekovic-for-Westbrook deal? A team with Pekovic surrounded by Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant is a scary thought, and so is pairing Westbrook with Love and Dieng. With Pekovic's $12 million salary, Minnesota would have the room to bring in a star or some talented players.
What's Love got to do with it?
So now think about the Timberwolves and their franchise player, Kevin Love. He is on a team that, despite being at .500, has played like a 50-win team this season -- and that's while having the worst bench in the league and losing many players to injury.
More from ESPN.com
Joe Kaiser looks at the fantasy value of Gorgui Dieng and other late-season risers Story Insider
If management could move Pekovic for a star, perhaps even through a sign-and-trade with a free agent (Luol Deng, for example), or for a few players who would significantly upgrade their bench, then those additions plus the expected improvement of both Dieng and Rubio could mean Minnesota ends up as this year's Portland. They'd have a real shot at winning 55 games next season.
Remember, this is a team that has outscored its opponents by 3.2 points per game this season -- a mark that ranks ninth in the league. The Wolves also have a lottery pick in a very deep and talented draft. In other words, they could be a strong playoff team next season with a bright future.
If ever a small-market team hoped to keep a talent like Love, they'd want to be in Minnesota's current situation. It would not be easy, or likely, for Love to leave that situation. But even without him, the Wolves would be in position to reboot -- they have plenty of good players who would bring draft picks and young talent in trades.
This is why Dieng is now the single most pivotal rookie in this class. His play may have literally given life to this franchise.
The Timberwolves' best news, though, has come in the form of their rookie center out of Louisville, Gorgui Dieng, who has exploded onto the scene and will now play a huge role in Minnesota's future plans -- a role that could also have a big impact on Love's decision whether to stay in the Twin Cities.
Dieng's defense
Before diving into how Dieng can help Minnesota keep Love, let's look at what the 6-foot-11 rookie has done since getting serious playing time. When Nikola Pekovic went down with an injury a few months ago, his initial replacements failed to deliver. So Rick Adelman turned to Dieng almost as a last resort in mid-March. In seven games as a starter, Dieng has averaged 12 points, 13.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game -- in just 32.7 minutes per game. He won Rookie of the Month honors for March and proved he at least belongs in the rotation going forward, while making a case that he's good enough to start in this league.
His first start came in a win against Sacramento when Dieng posted a double-double along with five blocked shots -- and it's the blocks that are the key going forward.
Shot-blocking is the single-most vulnerable part of the Wolves' starting unit (including Pekovic), which has a positive adjusted plus-minus of over 12 points (per 48 minutes) - a number that could end up leading the league at season's end. For most of the season, they ranked from ninth to 11th in defensive efficiency (they are now down to 13th) despite being dead last in field goal percentage at the rim and in shots blocked per game.
Perimeter players drive recklessly into the paint against the Wolves, knowing there is no one at the rim to block or bother their finishes. With Dieng in the game, that is not the case. Once he learns the overall NBA game and, more pressingly, what opposing centers like to do, it is possible to imagine Dieng helping the Wolves become a top-six defensive team for an entire season (a significant improvement considering how crucial each win can be in the loaded West).
Dieng's offense
On offense, Dieng will never be Pekovic's equal, at least inside the paint -- Pek is a big reason why Minnesota has been top 10 in offensive efficiency all season. But Dieng is not Joel Anthony or Omer Asik either and has to be accounted for on the offensive end. While he isn't a great finisher yet, he looks like he'll be able to grow into one soon thanks to his great touch. Dieng can make jumpers, too, as he showed in college.
ROOKIE 50 RANKINGS
We're keeping track of every NBA rook. Here are the latest Top 50 rankings.
Rank Player Stock
1 Michael Carter-Williams
2 Victor Oladipo
3 Mason Plumlee
4 Tim Hardaway Jr.
5 Nick Calathes
6 Kelly Olynyk
7 Trey Burke
8 Nate Wolters
9 Gorgui Dieng
10 Cody Zeller
o Click here for the complete rankings »
Lately, he has been trying to beat defenders who press up on him on perimeter catches with quick attacks to the rim. He has been whistled for some travels on those moves (with some bad calls mixed in), but his quick feet and aggressive mindset must please his coaches. These are moves he can improve and learn to execute cleanly for years.
The Wolves would not likely be as good on offense with Dieng replacing Pekovic, but they wouldn't slip much because their other star offensive players would get more touches. Plus, the improvement Dieng would bring on the defensive end would likely make up for it.
Dieng's value
Dieng's sudden and impressive emergence has created an asset for Minnesota that it hasn't had recently -- a valuable trade chip. And it's not Dieng. It's Pek.
Because of Dieng's above-the-rim defensive presence, he's a better complement to Love in Minnesota's frontcourt. So, naturally, teams with rim-protecting power forwards could become intrigued if Pek becomes available. Pekovic is a legitimate first/second option low-post player who now has a terrific turnaround jumper. He's also a solid low-post defender and rebounder and one of the elite offensive glass eaters in the league.
Think about the teams who need someone like that. Imagine him partnering with an athletic phenom like Anthony Davis in New Orleans. Or alongside Tristan Thompson in Cleveland, with Kyrie Irving running ballscreens with him. Pek could allow Derrick Favors to move to the power forward spot full time in Utah, perhaps helping him reach the level of play everyone expected for him. He'd also work well next to Al Horford or Joakim Noah -- two gifted defenders who can play both post positions on either end of court.
It may sound blasphemous, but if OKC fails to get to the Finals this year with a healthy Russell Westbrook, is it too crazy to think about a Pekovic-for-Westbrook deal? A team with Pekovic surrounded by Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant is a scary thought, and so is pairing Westbrook with Love and Dieng. With Pekovic's $12 million salary, Minnesota would have the room to bring in a star or some talented players.
What's Love got to do with it?
So now think about the Timberwolves and their franchise player, Kevin Love. He is on a team that, despite being at .500, has played like a 50-win team this season -- and that's while having the worst bench in the league and losing many players to injury.
More from ESPN.com
Joe Kaiser looks at the fantasy value of Gorgui Dieng and other late-season risers Story Insider
If management could move Pekovic for a star, perhaps even through a sign-and-trade with a free agent (Luol Deng, for example), or for a few players who would significantly upgrade their bench, then those additions plus the expected improvement of both Dieng and Rubio could mean Minnesota ends up as this year's Portland. They'd have a real shot at winning 55 games next season.
Remember, this is a team that has outscored its opponents by 3.2 points per game this season -- a mark that ranks ninth in the league. The Wolves also have a lottery pick in a very deep and talented draft. In other words, they could be a strong playoff team next season with a bright future.
If ever a small-market team hoped to keep a talent like Love, they'd want to be in Minnesota's current situation. It would not be easy, or likely, for Love to leave that situation. But even without him, the Wolves would be in position to reboot -- they have plenty of good players who would bring draft picks and young talent in trades.
This is why Dieng is now the single most pivotal rookie in this class. His play may have literally given life to this franchise.
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
Thanks for posting Volans.
When did Pek develop a turnaround jumper????
Articles like this can only help the wolves moving forward. I'll bet Alex is sending a text to ESPN as I type this!
Volans19 wrote:
Because of Dieng's above-the-rim defensive presence, he's a better complement to Love in Minnesota's frontcourt. So, naturally, teams with rim-protecting power forwards could become intrigued if Pek becomes available. Pekovic is a legitimate first/second option low-post player who now has a terrific turnaround jumper. He's also a solid low-post defender and rebounder and one of the elite offensive glass eaters in the league.
When did Pek develop a turnaround jumper????
Articles like this can only help the wolves moving forward. I'll bet Alex is sending a text to ESPN as I type this!
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Coolbreeze44
- Posts: 13192
- Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 12:00 am
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
The author is absolutely spot on throughout this article. Yes, Dieng is a game changer for us. Yes, this allows Pek to be a valuable trade chip. Yes, he can bring back very good value. Yes, just because guys play for another team doesn't mean they have more value than our players, no matter what Abe says. Yes, a window has opened for the Wolves to keep Love. And yes, by keeping Love we can improve enough to be a factor in the West. Of course we have to get the right guy for Pek (Westbrook would be ideal but maybe a pipe dream) and we have to make good on our first round pick this year. But all is not lost and this author explains why.
Tim, Cam, - Is that optimistic enough for you guys? :thumb:
Tim, Cam, - Is that optimistic enough for you guys? :thumb:
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
CoolBreeze44 wrote:The author is absolutely spot on throughout this article. Yes, Dieng is a game changer for us. Yes, this allows Pek to be a valuable trade chip. Yes, he can bring back very good value. Yes, just because guys play for another team doesn't mean they have more value than our players, no matter what Abe says. Yes, a window has opened for the Wolves to keep Love. And yes, by keeping Love we can improve enough to be a factor in the West. Of course we have to get the right guy for Pek (Westbrook would be ideal but maybe a pipe dream) and we have to make good on our first round pick this year. But all is not lost and this author explains why.
Tim, Cam, - Is that optimistic enough for you guys? :thumb:
What did you do with Cool!
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Coolbreeze44
- Posts: 13192
- Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 12:00 am
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
Not sure, maybe it's just that compared to the Twins, the Wolves look like a model franchise. Lol
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Mstermisty [enjin:6864008]
- Posts: 752
- Joined: Sat Aug 03, 2013 12:00 am
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
Great article and I wholeheartedly agree with the main point: Gorgui gives us hope. Before he emerged (thanks to injuries, not Adelman), this season was leaving a real sour taste in my mouth. Kevin Love had one foot out the door. Now, maybe not so fast.
On trading Pek: At least for a year, I'd only do it if we receive an amazing offer that we can't pass up. Unless that happens, I think the move is continue to start Pek (it's been proven we are a great 1st quarter team with him starting), and then after that make sure Gorgui gets a lot of playing time, including plenty of time in 4th quarters when we hold leads. Plus as many have already pointed out, Pek is injury prone and then we have Gorgui ready to start with Turiaf backing him up (Turiaf under a cheap contract for 1 more year).
Now, if a year from now Gorgui has gotten stronger and his offense has progressed, then I think moving Pek might be more of a mission instead of an option (assuming we still need help on the wing, or at least a quality upgrade...not counting on the 13th pick to get this done, nor free agency).
On trading Pek: At least for a year, I'd only do it if we receive an amazing offer that we can't pass up. Unless that happens, I think the move is continue to start Pek (it's been proven we are a great 1st quarter team with him starting), and then after that make sure Gorgui gets a lot of playing time, including plenty of time in 4th quarters when we hold leads. Plus as many have already pointed out, Pek is injury prone and then we have Gorgui ready to start with Turiaf backing him up (Turiaf under a cheap contract for 1 more year).
Now, if a year from now Gorgui has gotten stronger and his offense has progressed, then I think moving Pek might be more of a mission instead of an option (assuming we still need help on the wing, or at least a quality upgrade...not counting on the 13th pick to get this done, nor free agency).
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A Friendly Flatulence [enjin:8907904]
- Posts: 208
- Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:00 am
Re: Gorgui is on the front page of Espn/NBA.com
I think if we don't move Pek we risk what has happened to Houston with the Asik situation, diminishing value. Turiaf is a very solid backup who would get almost no PT if we kept both Pek & Dieng. Move him while we can (assuming we get at least avg. return) and roll with G & Turiaf.