Knowing how sensitive the subject is, Wolves forward Gorgui Dieng chose his words carefully when asked about President Donald Trump's executive order suspending travel with seven Muslim-majority nations.
Dieng is a Muslim. He is from Senegal in Africa, not one of the nations named in the executive order.
"I saw it, but it's very sensitive stuff," Dieng said. "I think if you're going to say something some people will take it ... it will be two groups. Some people will take it against you, and some others will be for you. So, for me personally, I'm just going to have no words to say about that."
And then Dieng tried to lighten the mood: "All I know is, I'm paying a lot of taxes here," he said, smiling.
Dieng does more than that. Working with the local nonprofit Matter and the Wolves' Fast-Break Foundation, he helped rebuild and equip a Senegal hospital.
And he has found a second home in Minnesota. He signed a four-year, $64 million extension as the season was getting underway, has bought a house here.
"I think I've got a right to be here," Dieng said. "And I get into this country the right way. I'm doing it the right way. I'm here to work. I'm not a citizen, I'm here to work. And I am a green-card holder. I'm here until they kick me out."
