Thunder News: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Loses Crucial Piece as OKC Releases Former Draft Pick

After an improbable play-in appearance last season, the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led Thunder are now aiming for a playoff appearance. While their success this season has led them to the second seed in the West, it has proven detrimental to their 2020 first-round pick, Aleksej Pokusevski. The 7-footer has been put in many roles during his tenure with the Thunder, but this season, he has only averaged 6 minutes across 10 games. While some of that had to do with the fact that he was recovering from an offseason injury, the Thunder’s success this season also made cracking the rotation difficult.

Last season, before his leg injury against the San Antonio Spurs in late December, he played a pivotal role in the team, starting 25 of the 34 games he played in. Within a year, Pokusevski went from being a key piece in the lineup to being lucky to play in garbage time. And now, four years later, it is time for him to bid adieu to the team. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the OKC Thunder are waiving Aleksej Pokusevski.

Poku’s timeline of growth simply did not coincide with OKC’s resurgence. Due to his injuries, he missed significant development periods. With the team entering a new era with Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Cason Wallace, Oklahoma does not have room for him in the rotation. The last few seasons saw the Serbian forward thrive in all five positions, occasionally even taking on point guard duties due to his ball-handling skills, playmaking ability, and deep shooting range. It is hard to find 7-footers who play with his fluidity. Therefore, there is no doubt that he would be a valuable addition to any team he goes to. Here are a few teams that could provide Poku with the atmosphere he needs to develop.

Possible landing spots for Aleksej Pokusevski

The San Antonio Spurs could be a favorable destination for the former Thunder forward. The Spurs are still in a rebuilding phase as they surround Victor Wembanyama with a supporting cast. With his size and versatility, he could be a key piece in the Spurs’ rotation.

Miami Heat, well known for its ability to develop players of all talent levels, could include Poku among the many players they have successfully transformed into valuable assets. In return, Poku could impact the team off the bench with his rebounding and playmaking abilities. The Dallas Mavericks are another team that can put Poku’s size to good use.

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