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OKC Thunder: 2 surprise players that could land starting gigs in 2020-21

By Mark Nilon

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during player introductions before game four against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 24, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during player introductions before game four against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 24, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Surprise player who could start for OKC Thunder No. 1) Aleksej Pokuševski

Sure, this inclusion of Aleksej Pokuševski on this list is a bit of a gamble — after all, he is a relative mystery to the public, with minimal game tape available, and still doesn’t even have any pictures on Getty Images (get on that Getty!).

However, at the end of the day, he is the most recent first-round selection by the OKC Thunder (17th overall) and, being that the team as a whole is looking to somewhat tank this season anyway while also providing ample playing time to the youngsters, it could be an interesting “throw him into the deep end” type of situation coach Daigneault may want to consider at some point this year.

Due to his impressive combination of size (7-1) and skillset (can put the ball on the hardwood and space the floor) the Thunder could feasibly thrust him into any position from the three all the way to the five, though perhaps they may want to keep him away from the center slot for long periods of time due to his “pencil pusher” frame (205 pounds soaking wet).

During his 2019-20 season with Olympiacos B, Poku managed to average a solid all-around stat line of 10.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game on 41 percent shooting from the floor and 32 percent shooting from deep.

No, we do not expect the high-end comparisons of Kristaps Porzingis and Pascal Siakam to take place right away for the young big man, but the appeal is certainly there.

In a season already deemed as a wash for the Thunder, might as well see what you’ve got in Aleksej Pokuševski by thrusting him into the starting lineup at some point this year.

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