Thunder Rookie Ousmane Dieng to Miss Time With Injury

Oklahoma Metropolis introduced Thursday that rookie ahead Ousmane Dieng will miss no less than the subsequent six weeks with a small, non-displaced fracture in his proper wrist. The official report famous he shall be re-evaluated after that six-week time interval.

Dieng’s harm was suffered through the OKC Blue’s street recreation in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, on Wednesday evening, the place the teen was within the midst of one other spectacular efficiency.

Earlier than harm, his play had earned him a current call-up with the Thunder. In his time with the Blue, Dieng has averaged 15.8 factors, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.2 blocks. His fluidity and talent to each deal with the ball and shoot from lengthy vary had been huge surprises. He was considered much like Aleksej Pokusevski, a giant time undertaking with an enormous ceiling. Thus far, although, Dieng is nicely on observe.

In restricted time with the Thunder, Dieng has accomplished what he is been requested to do: take open 3-pointers and push the tempo in transition. In two of his final three video games within the NBA, he totaled double-figured twice, ending on a 15-point, 5 rebound efficiency.

As his confidence continues to develop, Dieng will solely enhance. In a couple of brief months and a visit to the G League, his confidence has already shot up considerably. Due to the harm, although, Dieng’s reps will clearly come to a halt. It is powerful for somebody who was within the thick of a promising rookie season, however learning the X’s and O’s from the sideline the subsequent few weeks undoubtedly will not damage.

Regardless that he hasn’t obtained prolonged minutes or alternatives on the court docket, the Thunder should be happy with the potential Dieng has placed on show. Forwards with that sort of size merely should not be that fluid or quick. Oklahoma Metropolis will definitely be awaiting his return from harm.

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