NBA: All-Sophomore team for 2014-2015

Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) defends the dribble of Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Magic 126-125 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) drives in the second quarter against the Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Center – Gorgui Dieng, Minnesota Timberwolves

The now 24-year-old Dieng slipped a bit in the draft because of his age and perception of a low ceiling, but when he was given the opportunity, the 6-foot-11 center from Senegal via Louisville was tremendously effective.

Early in the year, Dieng was buried behind the likes of Nikola Pekovic on the depth chart in Minnesota, but in the last 18 games, Dieng made 15 starts while averaging 12.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 30.2 minutes. It would be aggressive to project him to average a double-double in just his second season in the NBA, but Dieng was a dominant force on a National Championship team at Louisville, and his impact on defense and on the glass is real.

With Pekovic back and healthy, Flip Saunders and company will have a tall task in managing the minutes, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the two big men play together if and when Kevin Love ends up in Cleveland, and that sets up well for Dieng’s long-term development.

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