Nets to work out Gorgui Dieng

Gorgui Dieng
Gorgui Dieng (10). (AP)

Gorgui Dieng
Gorgui Dieng (10). (AP)
The Brooklyn Nets will work out Louisville senior center Gorgui Dieng, Dieng’s agent Makhtar N’Diaye confirmed to ESPN New York. The Nets pick 22nd overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, which will take place June 27th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The 6’11”, 230-pound Dieng, who averaged 9.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in 31.1 minutes per game in his senior season at Louisville, is known for his commitment to defense, anchoring Louisville’s top-ranked college defense last season. He is a quick defender for a big man, able to stay on his man even when switched onto college guards, but his age (23) and lack of a polished offensive game limit his ceiling.

Dieng is the second senior center with a commitment to defense the Nets will work out. They are also planning to work out Kansas center Jeff Withey. Both Dieng and Withey are projected as late first-round picks in this year’s draft.

One major Nets weakness this past season was an inability to defend the paint with Brook Lopez out of the game, so it’s no surprise that the Nets are looking at big, defensive-minded centers with their pick. But with mock drafts all over the place, it’s hard to gauge just what will be available at #22. The Nets may have to make moves if they want to guarantee getting their guy.

ESPN New York — Gorgui Dieng to work out for Knicks, Nets