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OKC Thunder: A tale of two halves for Aleksej Pokusevski

By Mark Nilon

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 22: Aleksej Pokusevski #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on March 22, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 22: Aleksej Pokusevski #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on March 22, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Despite the fact that they find their favorite team in the middle of a full-fledged rebuild and look to be headed for a bottom-five finish on the year, the 2020-21 season has been quite a joy to watch for OKC Thunder fans.

To some, the excitement has come from seeing the progressions in young stud, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s game, for there’s a legitimate case that he deserved an All-Star nod.

For others, its been seeing the development of the roster’s raw talents, ranging from Moses Brown to Isaiah Roby.

Of this latter group, without a doubt, the most intriguing prospect Oklahoma City has at their disposal is their rookie forward, Aleksej Pokusevski.

A legitimate 7-footer with a 7-3 wingspan, the 19-year-old is a relative wunderkind when it comes to the specific skill set in which he possesses.

Starting off his first year a bit rough, playing himself out of the rotation and into the G League, since his return post All-Star break the man known as Poku has seemingly flipped a switch.

OKC Thunder rookie, Aleksej Pokusevski, has had a much better second half

Through 17 games played during the first half of action, Pokusevski saw himself registering 17.4 minutes per night and producing to the tune of 3.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks on a lackluster 25 percent shooting from the field and an even worse 18 percent shooting from deep.

After honing his skills with the OKC Blue, since being called back up to the varsity team, the Serbian-born baller has seen drastic improvements in his production.

Garnering averages of 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks since his return, Poku has gone on to serve as the team’s starting forward in all of their games he’s been healthy for post All-Star Weekend.

With just 12 games remaining on the schedule, OKC Thunder fans will hope to see this tale of two halves continue to just get better as we head into the offseason.

Hopefully, during this final stretch, we see an increased role from the rookie and, in turn, get a better understanding of what the team may have in Pokusevski moving forward.

Next. What a Chris Paul deal to 76ers could have looked like. dark

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