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via Imago
Jun 22, 2023; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Victor Wembanyama arrives for the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 22, 2023; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Victor Wembanyama arrives for the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Victor Wembanyama is settling well within the San Antonio Spurs organization. The rookie was the first overall pick for the Spurs in the NBA draft this year. There are a lot of expectations riding on the 19-year-old to carry his franchise forward. While it is too soon to decipher his impact as a player, he is bonding well with the Spurs veterans.
Recently, it was revealed that he has a very good relationship with Gorgui Dieng, an ex-Spurs player. What makes Dieng even more special is that he is willing to be an “unpaid intern” for the Spurs even after announcing his retirement.
Victor Wembanyama and Gorgui Dieng share a great bond
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Dieng has represented the Spurs twice in his career spanning 10 years. The 33-year-old has been trying to get his feet back into the game for a while but after some time, he decided that it is time to retire. Even after announcing his retirement from the league as a player, Dieng is in no mood to leave the sport yet. He is very dedicated to the Spurs franchise and recently showed his true emotions for them by asking for something strange. While retirement usually calls for bidding farewell to the game, Dieng asked the franchise if he could stay there, even as an “unpaid intern” to help the team.
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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 20, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Troy Brown Jr. (7) plays for the rebound againt San Antonio Spurs center Gorgui Dieng (41) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
His wish was granted without any doubt but on one condition. The only thing negotiated with the 33-year-old was that he would be paid to do the work as a basketball operations representative for the Spurs. Now he assists the team with anything they need: from encouragement to game advice, Dieng is ready to do everything. Wembanyama is really fond of the Spurs veteran dedicating his time and energy to the team. He said, “I think he’s really embraced his new role. He talks to us, of course, about basketball. He has that experience. Outside of the court, sometimes he tells about the details of whatever rules or contracts or something. He’s really dedicated.”
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Gorgui Dieng has impressed the Spurs’ coach as well
What Dieng is doing for his ex-franchise is something really special. His dedication has swept several people off their feet, especially the Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. 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.”
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Despite having his heart broken and going into early retirement, Dieng’s love for the game knows no bounds. His determination to continue to help his franchise scale new heights, especially with youngsters who need guidance, is admirable.
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