King of the Jungle

Gana Diop has gone from starting center to being one of several fighting for a spot in the rotation. Erick Dampier’s solid play at center, plus Brandon Bass’ ability to play both power forward and center has made minutes harder to come by for Diop.

“Still climbing,” Avery Johnson said of Diop. “He hasn’t really blocked shots the way we wanted him to. He’s still a work in progress. We’re trying to get him back to where he was in the past. We’re trying to get him more confident.

“He used to be the guy that protected the jungle for us, for lack of a better word. That was kind of an inside joke: He was the big king of the jungle. We’re trying to get him back to that point where he can defend that paint for us the way we need him to consistently.”

Diop, as he’s done all season, has continued to stay ready. He realizes what Johnson wants from him and he’s trying to deliver.

“I’ve got to keep working hard at getting better,” Diop said. “That’s my job.”