Ex-Spurs Star Asked for “Unpaid” Job After Hopes of Joining New NBA Team Were Crushed

Gorgui Dieng has officially retired from the league after a 10-year-long career. Although he tried to get his feet back into the NBA for some time, Dieng now thinks that it is a good time to hang up his boots. In recent times, several other ex-NBA athletes have been trying to get back into the league as well.

As for Dieng, he is now prepared to bid farewell to the NBA at the age of 33. However, he is not yet willing to completely part ways with basketball which is why he even asked for an “unpaid intern” job with the San Antonio Spurs.

Gorgui Dieng still wants to be part of the pack

Dieng had two separate terms with the Spurs over the course of his career. Although he played for a few different organizations as well, none could become as special as the Spurs for him. He has shown tremendous love for the franchise, which is why he is loved by everyone in the organization. Coach Gregg Popovich said that Dieng is a wonderful human being and brings a lot of positive energy to the side. He said, “He’s one of the all-time favorite teammates of everybody. He’s a great source of experience in the league, and anybody can talk to him.”

Due to his dedication to the team, Dieng didn’t want to leave the franchise despite his retirement. His dedication is such that he even asked for an “unpaid internship” with the team so that he could continue to contribute to their progress. While he did get the job he wanted, it came with one condition, that he will be paid for the same. Now he is the basketball operations representative for the Spurs and is very happy with his new position. He said that he is learning a lot in his new role and that he feels good by getting to do what he is now doing for the team.

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Gorgui Dieng on learning tricks to the trade

Individuals like Dieng are always special to any organization. Feeling grateful for the opportunity given to him, he said that he is learning a lot about how things work for an organization behind the scenes. He said, “I’m in the front office learning and doing stuff. When they start practice, I come here and help the team.”

The 33-year-old said that he is always going to make sure that he is available whenever the team needs him for anything. This must feel great for the Spurs, knowing that they have curated such a relationship with one of their ex-players.

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