OKC Thunder make ‘perfect’ first impression on Aleksej Pokusevski

In his early days with the OKC Thunder, rookie Aleksej Pokusevski is feeling at home calling everything ‘perfect’

This weekend the OKC Thunder ramped up their training camp to group sessions. As such, the club is inching closer to the preseason when fans will get their first look at the 2020-21 iteration of the team.

Tomorrow (December 8th) the deal between the Thunder and 76ers can be finalized. The trade couldn’t be conveyed until then due to the need for aggregation of Danny Green.  Moreover, it’s expected Vincent Poirier who the Thunder picked up in a trade with the Celtics will be jettisoned to the 76ers.

That means Terrance Ferguson and Green will come off the books (and as noted, presumably Poirier) while Al Horford and the 34th draft pick, Theo Maledon will finally officially be able to join the OKC Thunder.

Last week, Presti made a flurry of moves cutting players, while signing and waiving other players. As each cut was made seemingly a new player was added. Josh Gray and Zylan Cheatham who were part of the New Orleans Pelicans trade package for Steven Adams were cut. Following these moves, OKC signed Chasson Randle.

Additionally, as per Keith Smith, the Thunder also signed and waived Jaylen Hoard – a move that was expected but had yet to be completed.  Likewise, Smith also broke news OKC signed and waived Antonius Cleveland while simultaneously signing Melvin Frazier Jr.  As TI previously noted the roster, and in particular the bottom of it is likely to be fluid right up until the start of the season particularly wit the unproven youngsters.

Aleksej Pokusevski first impression of OKC is ‘perfect’

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One youngster who will get playing time with the Thunder is rookie Aleksej Pokusevski. The Serbian who spent his past two seasons playing with the Greek Olympiacos squad was the youngest player drafted in the 2020 class. Moreover, executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti made a trade to move up to 17 to ensure landing the youngster.

There isn’t much known about Pokusevski and at this stage of his early career, he’s considered a raw talent with tons of potential. Most describe the 6’11” forward as another possible unicorn with the playmaking skillsets of a point guard, the mobility of a wing, and the potential to develop into a special player.

The youngster who’ll turn 19 on boxing day has been in Oklahoma City for the past few weeks getting acquainted with his new living situation and team.

So far, he’s had nothing but praise for his new home referring to his team as feeling like family. While Sam Presti focused on the word ‘resiliency’ in his presser the rookie chose ‘perfect’ and ‘warm’ as his oft-repeated phrases.

Although his English is broken he’s way ahead of the curve and it’s clear what he’s trying to convey.  The official Thunder site has the video from his media session though I’ve slightly tweaked his phrasing:

"“It was perfect, you know. I’m getting used to the time change, the people and the city who are warm and welcomed me as if I’ve been here a while even though I’m new. I’m happy. The guys from the club are perfect – – great guys, they are warm and feel just like a family. I’m only here 10 days but it feels like I’ve already been here a whole season.”"

The rookie noted his playing time in Europe as the youngest on professional teams and how important it is to listen and to work hard every day. Pokusevski noted he was surprised to be selected as early as he was and had no idea the Thunder were interested despite all the predraft rumors.

He is working on all aspects of his game, is open to doing whatever is asked of him, and cites the franchise’s history of success working with young players.

Although nothing is cemented it’s likely Daigneault will give the rookie ample playing time to experience the game and expedite his growth. If he connects like many in the front office believe he’s capable of Poku could turn out to be the steal of the 2020 draft class.