It was only 2022 when 19-year-old Ousmane Dieng skyrocketed up draft boards, including the OKC Thunder's, after flashing his scoring ability out on the wings at an impressive 6-foot-10 frame.
Considered a high-ceiling prospect by many draft gurus, the Knicks drafted Dieng with the 11th overall pick and subsequently traded him to Oklahoma City on draft night.
Fast forward four years, and the forward has officially redefined what it means to have a rocky start to an NBA career.
The Thunder finally cut their losses with the Frenchman at this year's trade deadline, having never averaged more than 4.9 points per game of production out of him in a season. Dieng finished his career in OKC, playing 136 games while starting in just two.
Just when fans thought they were done seeing his name in the news, he was traded not one, but two more times, before he finally landed with the Milwaukee Bucks, his fourth official team in a span of just 24 hours.
Thunder were right about the project no one seems to want
Dieng was hardly the centerpiece of any of these deals. He was merely used as an add-on piece in trades that most notably involved players like Coby White, Cole Anthony, and Collin Sexton.
Meanwhile, the Thunder acquired backup veteran big man Mason Plumlee (who was later waived) in exchange for the forward and a conditional second-round pick.
The man who was once heralded for his size-speed combo has fallen from grace and is being treated like the project no one wants to take on.
Over the past few days, the league has sent a clear message: Ousmane Dieng is now nothing more than a complementary piece, a means to acquire the players they truly want on their roster.
Dieng might have actually ended up in the right spot
While the former Thunder was forced to deal with a trade deadline marked by disrespect and neglect, he could end up rather thankful he ended up in Milwaukee.
Of the four teams he was with in the span of a day, the Bucks might actually be in the best position to develop him.
With the Hornets performing like the hottest team in the NBA since the end of January, they appear to be entering potential playoff-contender status. The acquisition of Coby White shows that they're fully ready to embrace the current season after a long and painful rebuild.
Chicago just shook up their entire roster without actually becoming sellers at the deadline. With the rest of their season looking suspect, it is probably best for Dieng that he avoided ending up in that whirlwind.
Milwaukee, however, has found itself on the outside looking in on the playoff bubble. At 21-29 and residing 12th in the Eastern Conference, they are in no rush to put their foot on the gas, especially with their star Giannis Antetokounmpo out for an extended period.
If given an increased opportunity with the Bucks, Dieng may have a chance to salvage his career if he makes the most of his minutes. It may be his last opportunity, though, as the league has sent the message that his days on an NBA roster may officially be numbered.