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Gorgui Dieng: The upside in a veteran center for the Memphis Grizzlies

By Jacob Ritchie

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Gorgui Dieng #10 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2013 NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at the Georgia Dome on April 8, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Gorgui Dieng #10 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2013 NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at the Georgia Dome on April 8, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
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3. Rebounding and Post Defense

For 16 million dollars, and for people unfamiliar with Gorgui, the question will probably be, what exactly is it that he does well. Gorgui is a tenacious rebounder and shot blocker, especially when given extended minutes to do so. In limited minutes this season Gorgui’s per 36 stats have been outstanding, and if given 15-20 minutes a game on this team he could be invaluable.

In one of his only extended appearances for the Timberwolves this season, Gorgui torched the Cavaliers, rebounding and blocking shots at an extremely high level. And this was certainly not a one off incident, as he has had several huge games this season, even as he has been struggling for playing time and a foothold in the team. Masking Jonas and Jaren’s defensive flaws could end up being a real upside to the Gorgui acquisition, as Dieng can defend at a high level, even if his numbers this season have been down.

His ability to be a mentor to the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr. and even Brandon Clarke is a huge positive, as Jaren’s key downfalls have been staying on the floor consistently, due to his troubles playing defense without fouling. A lineup with Gorgui playing alongside Jaren could be extremely effective, with Gorgui covering up Jaren’s defensive flaws better than Jonas can, giving the Grizzlies even more versatile options.

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