Aleksej Pokusevski has been one of many greatest query marks of Oklahoma City’s future plans. The ahead has improved with prolonged courtroom time, however has been hampered by inconsistencies.
He was enjoying his finest basketball in direction of the tip of the 2021-22 season earlier than he was shut down the previous couple of video games. The Serbian was lastly capable of play with effectivity, letting the sport come to him.
Pokusevski flashed on the finish of his rookie marketing campaign, too, nevertheless it was totally different. He was scoring factors and recording spotlight performs, however he was nonetheless extraordinarily inefficient. The turnovers would mount and the fixed inexperienced mild resulted in some dangerous pictures.
When the point-forward flashed this previous May, he displayed a well-rounded sport that appeared far more full. Over the summer time league, it was extra of the identical for Pokusevski. While he didn’t take over the sport, he was capable of play his function and discover a approach to contribute on the ground.
Many followers and analysts have been important of Pokusevski, as he’s had tough stretches and a heavy studying curve. With the 7-footer although, it’s crucial to recollect simply how younger he truly is. For instance, the Thunder drafted their cornerstone of the long run in Chet Holmgren simply two months in the past. Holmgren turned 20 on May 2, whereas Pokusevski turned 20 on December 26, only a few months prior. The distinction is Pokusevski has two years of NBA expertise at his age.
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While he’s nonetheless extremely younger with a excessive ceiling, the clock is formally ticking subsequent season. The Thunder have began to fill out the roster and develop younger expertise, giving them depth at practically each place. There’s accountability on flooring now, and the teaching workers has keen younger guys able to step in and play.
Pokusevski’s first two seasons within the NBA have been stuffed with growth, and primarily based on the educational curve he’s had, he deserves some kind of a go. He’s nonetheless extraordinarily younger, and his ceiling continues to be excessive. If he can grow to be a dependable 3-point shooter, he’ll all the time have a spot within the NBA.
But 2022-23 is a giant season for Pokusevski’s future in Oklahoma City. Don’t depend him out but, he would’ve been thought-about younger for this summer time’s draft and has a lot left to show.
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