OKC Thunder: 3 season goals for Aleksej Pokusevski in 2020-21
Season goal for Aleksej Pokusevski No. 2) Establish himself in the rotation
Even though he is the highest draft pick for the OKC Thunder since Cameron Payne who was picked 14th in the 2015 draft. This does not guarantee Pokusevski a spot in the rotation. Obviously, the Thunder will want to know what they have drafted and he will get time on the court.
However, it is up to the player to take the opportunity presented and run with it. Pokusevski will not need to do huge amounts to earn more playing time though. He will have to shoot the ball effectively and learn how to play within the OKC Thunder systems.
With the 17th pick of the @NBADraft, the @Timberwolves select Aleksej Pokusevski (@aleksejpokusevs)!
— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2020
2020 #NBADraft presented by State Farm on ESPN pic.twitter.com/tL73PJQh5o
Due to the Thunder trying to lose, if he can show a level of development along with a good work ethic, he will have done his job getting into the rotation. Winning is not important this year, development is.
Pokusevski, as mentioned earlier is a good team defender, however, he has a lack of explosiveness which will not allow him to be a solid rim protector in the NBA. If he can work on his body so that he can develop his athleticism, this will also help cement a spot for him in the rotation.