If the NBA's new CBA had been in effect beginning the rookie season of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski, he wouldn't have been eligible for an All-NBA team any of his three seasons.
Pokusevski has yet to average over 10 points a game thus far in his career, but while his stats still have room to improve before he can make a case for being a true standout, it's his availability that would've sank his chances.
The third-year forward has yet to play more than 65 games in each of his three seasons in the NBA, stemming from a multitude of injuries that has left him sidelined for significant time. And despite his fourth season not having begun, it has already proven to be a non-exception.
As announced Wednesday, Pokusevski will be sidelined for around 6-8 weeks with an ankle injury sustained during an offseason workout. The news comes just over three weeks prior to the NBA preseason, meaning that the forward will likely miss the start of the 2023-24 regular season for the Thunder.
Pokusevski's injuries have been a concern throughout his career. He has potential and talent, especially for as young as he is, but his lack of availability has raised concerns about whether or not he should be a player that Oklahoma City continues to rely on.
The news regarding his injury certainly doesn't help his case, either, but might help the case of some of the Thunder's other stars — like Ousmane Dieng — who will be looking to crack the rotation alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren.
Pokusevski averaged 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists last season, leaving a gap to be filled while he recovers, though if all goes according to plan, he likely won't have to miss too many games to start the season. Remaining healthy after returning may be a whole other issue altogether, however.
But for that, only time can tell.
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