Wolves center Gorgui Dieng is the Western Conference's Rookie of the Month for March after he became a double-double machine while replacing injured Nikola Pekovic as the team's starter.
Dieng could be back in that role again Wednesday against Memphis after Pekovic's sore ankle took him out of Monday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers after less than seven minutes.
Dieng averaged 8.6 points and 8.3 rebound in March, but his numbers were 12.1 points (on 64.5 percent shooting) and 12 rebounds a game in the month's last nine games. Included were six starts while Pekovic was out.
Dieng is the fifth Wolves rookie to win the award, joining Ricky Rubio (January 2012), Kevin Love (March 2009), Randy Foye (December 2006) and Stephon Marbury (January 1997). His 21-point, 22-rebound game at Houston on March 20 made him the fifth player in team history to reach a 20-20 game.
Philadelphia's Michael Carter-Williams was named the East's Rookie of the Month.
JERRY ZGODA
