OKC Thunder: Training camp storylines to follow for Thunder

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Aleksej Pokusevski #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball during a game against the Utah Jazz at Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 14, 2021, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

OKC Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski’s progression in year two

Ah, training camp, what does it mean for the Oklahoma City Thunder? Why should you care and pay attention? The most important reason is second-year forward Aleksej Pokusevski who played in 45-NBA contests a year ago, started in 28 of them, and played well with the OKC Blue in the G-League Disney World Bubble as well.

No one knew what to make of the seven-footer that Sam Presti so desperately wanted in the 2020 NBA Draft, some estimated he would not even play in the NBA last year. However, the lack of a true G-League season forced Poku into action sooner rather than later, making his NBA debut in game one against the Hornets where he logged over ten minutes.

While his teenage looks, sideline dancing, and awkward frame have made Aleksej Pokusevski an NBA Twitter meme, the Oklahoma City organization believes he can be a true NBA unicorn.

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What does that mean, NBA Unicorn? Well, a seven-footer that can dribble, pass, shoot, and help carry the load offensively are hard to come by but something everyone wants. Thus, a Unicorn.

Those are lofty goals for the Serbian forward to turn into an All-Star if you ask anyone not named Mark Daigneault or Sam Presti, but to be frank, no one else’s opinion matters. The team will invest heavily in his development, and if they are right, it accelerates this rebuild into hyperdrive.

Right or wrong, OKC Thunder fans are all over Aleksej Pokusevski’s weight, so photos or comments about muscle gain are surely a story to follow.

More importantly, what are the roles or situations he is put into at practice? Thunder fans did not get to see their interesting 19-year-old project at Summer Leauge, as Sam Presti and the organization had a different plan for his development.

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