Oklahoma City Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski has been ruled out for six to eight weeks and will miss the entire training camp due to an ankle injury during an offseason workout. On top of that, his future with OKC is unclear.
The Aleksej Pokusevski Conumdrum
Injury History and Inconsistent Play
This is a big year for Pokusevski. Since being drafted back in 2020, the forward has yet to play more than 65 games in his three seasons in the NBA, stemming from many injuries that have left him sidelined for significant time. And despite his fourth season not having begun, it has already proven to be a non-exception.
While Pokusevski has shown flashes of brilliance, injury concerns and inefficient play have left many fans wondering how he fits heading in this OKC squad. Many are clamouring for second-year forward Ousmane Dieng to replace him in the rotation after his outstanding performances in the Utah and Las Vegas Summer Leagues.
2022-23 Stats
In 34 games last season, Pokusevski averaged 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 20 minutes per game. While he has a better defensive effort and a slight bump in free throw attempts (0.8 FTA in 2021-22 up to 1 FTA in 2022-23), he still struggles shooting from the field, only converting 43% from the floor and 62.9% from the free throw line.
Pokusevski has shown he is versatile on both ends of the floor. While his height and length help him as a shot blocker, that size makes him a unique threat offensively.
As a seven-footer who can handle the ball and shoot from anywhere, Pokusevski should be able to make a positive impact in the NBA. However, his wavering confidence and out-of-control play have been his downfall.
Early last season, Pokusevski emerged as a legitimate contributor. Before suffering a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture in his left leg, he started 25 of the Thunder’s first 34 games.
Pokusevski was shooting career-bests from the field and beyond the arc in that span. On the other end, he added five rebounds and just over one block in 21 minutes per game.
Even toward the end of that stretch, Pokusevski looked lost at times and appeared to lose some of his confidence. When he finally returned in late March, he played only three games and never looked like the version of himself from early in the season.
Roster Crunch
Dieng likely takes Pokusevski’s place as the high-upside project for the Thunder. Because the team is looking to win now, he won’t be given the green light he’s had in the past.
Ultimately, it may be difficult for Pokusevski to find a role. There are few minutes to go around, and even backup center minutes are a stretch for someone as unpolished as him.
While inconsistency and health would be significant factors if OKC parted ways with Pokusevski, they may not be the most important. Because of his potential, there are likely teams around the league willing to take a flyer. Pokusevski’s spot on this team is not guaranteed with the looming roster crunch incoming after training camp. With growing injury problems, inconsistent play, and the return of Chet Holmgren, his future with the team is uncertain.
More must-reads: