Oklahoma City ahead Aleksej Pokusevski has doubtless heard all of it. And, a few of it, for good cause.
Of course the tried behind the again lob passes and fading out of the nook 3-point makes an attempt weren’t going to be met with applause, however there was some degree of added vitriol from all sides when issues weren’t going his approach.
“Another Presti project.”
And although it feels as if battle-hardened Pokusevski has seen a lifetime of Thunder woes, the 20-year-old shall be getting into simply his third season, and has already proven marked enchancment within the preseason slate.
Through 4 preseason video games, Pokusevski is averaging 9.0 factors, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 blocks whereas capturing 50 p.c from the sector. Perhaps most remarkably, he’s capturing 44 p.c from three on 4.0 makes an attempt per sport. All in simply 21.5 minutes per contest.
These numbers aren’t more likely to sustain, because it’s been towards lesser competitors. But Pokusevki has proven progress even exterior the numbers.
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He’s taking part in extra inside the offense. His shot exhibits cleaner, flowing mechanics and a wider base. All over the court docket he’s oozing with extra confidence. His defensive versatility has been on full show.
Pokusevski within the preseason has regarded long-removed from the turnover-prone, shot-heaving days of outdated.
It’s a testomony to basic supervisor Sam Presti and his staffs persistence with venture picks within the NBA Draft.
It doesn’t occur in a single day, and it nonetheless gained’t for Pokusevski, who doubtless now has one other laborious yr forward of adjusting to a full, constantly rigorous NBA season.
But in just a few video games, the Serbian 7-footer has proven progress, and probably much more enchancment on the horizon.
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story by The Texas Tribune Source link