clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Pacers 23rd Pick Tournament Round Two: Gorgui Dieng vs. Mason Plumlee

In this matchup, we have two versatile big men squaring off in a rematch from the Elite Eight in Indianapolis. Gorgui Dieng and Mason Plumlee could both be upgrades to Indiana's frontcourt next season. Who will get your vote and move on to the quarterfinals?

By Evan Sidery
Gorgui Dieng and Mason Plumlee meet again. This time, it is in a battle to move on to the quarterfinals.
Gorgui Dieng and Mason Plumlee meet again. This time, it is in a battle to move on to the quarterfinals.
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

This battle of big men should be a great one here. Gorgui Dieng defeated Tony Mitchell handily, while Mason Plumlee barely squeaked out a victory over Kelly Olynyk by four votes. Either of these prospects would give Indiana much more size in the frontcourt and versatility to play either one alongside Roy Hibbert, in some situations. A matchup like this has the making of being a good one in the poll below the article. Who will move on and face Trade Up (Trade Danny Granger) in the quarterfinals?

Below are the usual breakdowns on both prospects from ESPN's Chad Ford and SB Nation partner, Draft Express. Ford will provide the positives and negatives on Dieng and Plumlee, while Draft Express shows you highlights and interviews with them. Read through and watch all the information provided below. It will be a key factor in help making your choice on who moves on in the tournament.

Gorgui Dieng

Positives
  • Long, athletic big man
  • Excellent rebounder
  • Intimidating shot-blocker
  • Good passer for a big man
  • Unselfish
Negatives
  • Unpolished offensive player
  • Old for his class

Mason Plumlee

Positives
  • Mobile, athletic big man
  • Explosive leaper
  • Plays with great energy
  • Solid midrange jumper shooter
  • Can put the ball on the floor
  • Good shot-blocker and rebounder
Negatives
  • Needs to add strength
  • Still working on his low-post game
  • Doesn't play a key role on the offense for Duke

Dieng or Plumlee would be much needed additions to Indiana's frontcourt next season. Adding in a big man who could alter shots at the rim and run in transition when David West or Hibbert need a break would be huge for the Pacers second unit. I believe either one would be upgrades over Ian Mahinmi and Jeff Pendergraph. Having one of these prospects, who could add versatility on both ends of the court, could be a game-changer.

After the analysis on both prospects from Chad Ford and Draft Express, who should move on to the quarterfinals? Will it be Gorgui Dieng or Mason Plumlee receiving your vote to advance on in the Indy Cornrows 23rd Pick Tournament?

Next Up In Latest News