Minnesota Timberwolves rookie big man Gorgui Dieng took to Twitter on Tuesday to make a request of his star point guard and teammate, Ricky Rubio.
Can I get ur autograph please @rickyrubio9 lol
— Gorgui Dieng (@GorguiDieng) October 22, 2013
While inquisitive, his question also seems to have a tinge of sarcasm.
We can only guess what the backstory to this might be.
With only 16 tweets in the month of October, Dieng isn’t exactly the most active user of the social media platform. Rubio seemed entertained by his rookie center’s tweet and alluded to his lack of Twitter presence.
“@GorguiDieng: Can I get ur autograph please @rickyrubio9 lol” so the rookie talking on twitter. I see! Lmao
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) October 22, 2013
It is unclear if Dieng is simply asking for an autograph as a joke or if it might be some sort of awkward response to some unknown rookie hazing.
There hasn’t been any documented evidence of hazing as it relates to Dieng, but he still has an entire season ahead of him.
The NBA, like most fraternities (in pro sports or academics), has its own traditions as it relates to rookies and how they are treated.
Some guys have to carry luggage. Some guys get popcorn in their cars—see Kent Bazemore, for example.
Odds are, however, that this is simply a lighthearted exchange between a rookie center and his point guard.
Perhaps the rookie big man is simply star struck to be playing with Rubio?
Previous Tweet Posts:
Tweet of the Night: Dwyane Wade has been working with Tim Grover for the past two months
Tweet of the Day: Matt Bonner to New Balance, “Give Me Shoes!”
_______
Michael writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com.