By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Aleksej Pokusevski is enjoying his sophomore year in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder and he has already become a fan favorite in the franchise’s young rotation.
The Serbian big posted 11 points, 4 rebounds coming from the bench in Oklahoma’s 113-97 loss to Hornets in Monday’s preseason opener, though coach Mark Daigneault said he considered him to be a starter.
“We can still look at that”, said Daigneault to the press prior to the game, as adapted by Oklahoman’s Joe Mussato.
And in fact, ‘Poku’ was a starter in the second half, alongside Theo Maledon, Gabriel Deck, Josh Giddey and Mike Muscala.
“He didn’t play a perfect game, but if I take a step back and think about a year ago at this time, he is much better”, added Daigneault, per Rylan Stiles.
From the looks of it, Pokusevski is slowly gaining ground in the Thunder’s rotation and could possibly be a starter when the new season officially tips off.
“Well, this time last year he wasn’t even drafted yet. Huge difference. Games really slowed down, he is a better decision-maker, done a great job with his body in terms of strength”, said coach Daigneault a few days prior.
Until a decision is made for the Thunder’s rotation in the regular season, Pokusevski is enjoying his time on the court. “It was fun just playing with my guys on the court […] Whatever coach asks me to do, I’m going to do it”, he told the press post-game.