Spurs Sign Free Agent Center

The San Antonio Spurs are in full-blown tank mode for the coming season, having traded All-Star Dejounte Murray, essentially, for a slew of draft picks. But they still have to piece together an NBA roster, and their next step is signing little-heralded center Gorgui Dieng.

Free agent center Gorgui Dieng has agreed to a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2022

The 32-year-old Dieng has seen his usage and his points drop precipitously the past three seasons, bouncing around between Minnesota, Memphis, San Antonio and Atlanta. Last year, on a $4M contract with the Hawks, he averaged 3.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 8 minutes a game.

Dieng's 9-year career average is 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds, though that's mostly skewed by a couple of seasons five and six years ago when he was a starter in Minnesota.

He returns to San Antonio after finishing the 2021 season there, and will serve, along with Zach Collins, as a backup to starter Jakob Poeltl. Unless, of course, Poeltl is dealt. He has a good amount of trade value, coming off a career season in which he boosted his points (13.5) and rebounds (9.3) totals to far above career norms.

With the Spurs signing Gorgui Dieng to a one-year deal, they fill a depth chart hole at center after trading away Jock Landale.

Not a ground breaking signing, but one that helps fill the depth chart and a roster spot.

Dieng will be behind Poeltl & Collins on the depth chart.
— Ty Jäger (@TheTyJager) July 5, 2022