By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Partizan Mozzart Bet is set to announce a deal to add Aleksej Pokusevski to the 2024-25 roster.
Following up on recent rumors, the Serbian forward reached an agreement with the Belgrade outfit, according to Sportklub.
Pokusevski, 22, spent the last four years in North America, splitting action between the NBA and the G League. Logging 168 NBA appearances between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets, his efforts amounted to career averages of 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.6 steals per contest.
In 2020, he was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 17th pick of the NBA draft. A few days later, his NBA rights were traded to the Thunder, setting a location for his rookie campaign. Midway through the 2023-24 season, he was traded to the Hornets. In July, he was placed on waivers.
Failing to meet expectations and falling shy of finding a new contract, returning to Europe creates an opportunity to compete in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Partizan, under the guidance of legendary head coach Zeljko Obradovic. Before moving his talents to the NBA, he logged three games played with Olympiacos, the first team of his professional career.
Rebuilding the roster, Partizan welcomed Gabriel Iffe Lundberg, Vanja Marinkovic, Mario Nakic, and Frank Ntilikina, earlier in the offseason. More additions are expected, including Duane Washington Jr. and Carlik Jones. Bruno Caboclo, Ognjen Jaramaz, and Balsa Koprivica are also under contract for the next season.
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