With the OKC Thunder set to open training camp tomorrow, the players were on hand today to meet with the press for Media Day. After training camp, they’ll play four preseason games and tip off the season in Utah on October 20th versus the Jazz.
On Friday, Thunder executive vice president and GM, Sam Presti held his annual preseason media presser answering a range of questions about the franchise and players.
Presti spoke about Aleksej Pokusevski with particular emphasis on the youngster’s offseason. Fans were surprised by POKU’s absence from Summer League and the GM confirmed it was a team choice. Instead, it was felt Pokusevski could benefit from an uninterrupted program designed with particular goals and objectives to achieve the most growth and development this offseason.
"“We had a specific plan for him. We wanted to make sure that he was focused on just physical training in order to maximize that physical training.”"
Like the VP, fans are excited to witness the steps POKU took via his offseason efforts. Notably, the GM was quick to state the sophomore will have to earn his place and while he has a very unique skill set there is ample room for POKU to improve in order to reach the full potential the team envisions for him.
"“The journey for him is going to be continuous, just like every other player on our team. It doesn’t matter how old they are. But I think he maximized the time he had in the summer, and now we’ll see where that leaves us when he starts training camp. I think he has a unique set of skills and talent, but he’s going to have to fight. He’s going to have to compete."
OKC Thunder forward Pokusevski says Media Day felt like being in Hollywood
POKU posted pictures on social media with copious plates of food in front of him but his physique appeared unchanged. As Intentions noted, given his role on the team that might not be as big of a deal as some are implying. In fact, a former MVP who played for the OKC Thunder struggled to gain weight/muscle and it certainly didn’t stop him from ascending to the upper echelon of the league.
Still, the youngster told the media he felt he accomplished his goal of getting bigger and stronger this offseason.
POKU hit the weight room, ate healthily, and had several meals each day. Perhaps it’s just not enough of a dramatic difference to see with the naked eye.
Ultimately the goal was to gain strength and endurance more than to “bulk” up. The sophomore is anxious to test the results of his efforts on the competition.
Aleksej Pokusevski on offseason plan “Just a lot of practice, they told me not to play in summer league to work on my body, we had great work in the weight room. I’ve seen improvement.” https://t.co/76iNbeIF6c
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 27, 2021
Asked specifically what Pokusevski’s regimen was the unicorn responded it began with the decision to focus solely on his body skipping Summer League to do that. Then plenty of practice and time in the weight room. “I improved there for sure. I have seen some improvement, but as I said, I want to see what I can do in the season.”
POKU couldn’t give an actual number (weight gain) but stated the goal was adding strength while retaining the ability to be mobile and to gain endurance.
There was a question centered on head coach Mark Daigneault and his seeming strength at relationship building.
POKU responded the coach tries to build a close relationship with each individual while simultaneously building team chemistry both on and off the court. The youngster drove home a Thunder tenet where it’s not just about the players but everyone in the organization being considered equal. “We are all the same. We’ve just got to have respect for everybody, and that’s what we learned last year. It was a tough season, but we stayed together.”
On what he expects to be different this season:
Pokusevski noted it was a lot for his rookie season, dealing with the pandemic, playing with the G-League, starting with the OKC Thunder varsity unit. He expects to reap the benefits of that experience and knowledge and for the game to slow down for him in year two and is excited to get back on the court.
The funniest exchange of the day occurred as he stopped in to chat with Paris Lawson, Nick Gallo, and Chris Fisher. He was very enthusiastic and reminded of a kid experiencing Disneyland for the first time. Then again, we have to remember POKU didn’t get a typical OKC Thunder media day last season due to the pandemic. Twice, with a huge smile on his face, he said “I feel like I’m in Hollywood”.
Pokusevski’s final game of the season offered hints of his potential as he scored a career-best 29 points connecting on six (of nine) 3-pointers. Although he appeared like a deer caught in headlights on occasion there were also moments of brilliance particularly his playmaking as that 7′ height allows him to survey the court in a manner smaller counterparts can’t.
Pokusevski undertakes his sophomore season looking to improve upon his rookie totals where he appeared in 45 games, 28 as a starter averaging 8.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 24.2 minutes per game.