Gorgui Dieng to work out for Knicks, Nets
By Jared Zwerling | ESPNNewYork.com
Louisville center Gorgui Dieng, who's projected to be a late first-round
pick, will work out for the Knicks and Nets before the June 27 draft, his
agent, Makhtar N'Diaye, confirmed with ESPNNewYork.com.
The Knicks are looking into drafting a big man to upgrade their diminished
frontcourt, and Dieng could arguably be the best center available in the late
first round. The Knicks pick at No. 24. As for the Nets, who have the 22nd
selection, they're interested in a defensive-minded backup behind Brook
Lopez.
The 6-foot-11, 230-pound Dieng anchored the No. 1-ranked defense in the
country during his senior year at Louisville en route to the championship
over Michigan. He's a tremendous shot-blocker (2.5 per game), and has great
athleticism and lateral movement covering and showing on screens. His length
and agility then allow him to quickly rotate down and protect the rim. Dieng
is also a tenacious rebounder (9.4 boards per game).
Offensively, Dieng, who was a college teammate of J.R. Smith's younger
brother, Chris, from 2010-12, excels in pick-and-rolls. He shows good timing
while catching the ball on the go and finishing with strong dunks. His
post-up game, however, needs some polishing, which is why he wasn't a focal
point in the Cardinals' offense (9.8 points per game).
The Knicks and Nets will also work out center Jeff Withey (Kansas), who's 23
years old like Dieng and similarly skilled defensively. Withey averaged 3.9
blocks per game last season. Both Dieng and Withey's experience and success
in the highest ranks of college basketball should make them appealing to the
defensive-minded Mike Woodson, who favors seasoned players.
While Dieng and Withey haven't yet played in the NBA, they'll likely be
higher on the Knicks' radar than younger and international big men Giannis
Adetokunbo (Greece), Rudy Gobert (France) and Lucas Noguiera (Brazil). A.J.
Matthews (Farmingdale State), who worked out for the Knicks on Wednesday, is
more suited for the second round. The Knicks are reportedly looking to trade
for a pick then.
Beyond Dieng and Withey, Tony Mitchell (North Texas) will likely be a Knicks'
favorite entering the draft. ESPN.com draft expert Chad Ford, in his latest
first-round projection, has the Knicks taking Mitchell at No. 24.
Ford writes:
"The Knicks have never shied away from taking a risk on a player. Mitchell
has the upside of a top-10 pick, but he was in an awful situation in North
Texas last season. With that in mind, his mediocre season might have been the
best he could have done. He's an elite athlete and a terrific rebounder --
the Knicks could use both in its frontcourt."
The Knicks are also exploring drafting a point guard, especially now that
Jason Kidd has retired. Some of the top candidates who could be available in
the late first round are: Erick Green (Virginia Tech), Pierre Jackson
(Baylor), Ricardo Ledo (Providence), Nate Wolters (South Dakoka State),
Isaiah Canaan (Murray State), who worked out for the Knicks on Wednesday, and
Brandon Paul (Illinois), who will be in New York on Thursday.
http://tinyurl.com/n6ptwev
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