Mark Daigneault Explains Aleksej Pokusevski’s Lack of Playing Time

The Thunder’s roster shortage was inevitable at some point. The rebuilding team has been able to try out several lines and offer a few players playing time over the past three seasons. But Mark Daigneault, who is currently 29-13 and second in the Western Conference, has solidified his rotations and has a group of players he can rely on every night. Development is still a top priority for Oklahoma City, but it no longer stands in the way of winning basketball games. And it’s the wise thing to do. Prior to his early-season injury, Aleksej Pokusevski

was a starter for the majority of the previous campaign and had shown

significant progress. He no longer plays much for the current squad and hasn’t

even worn the uniform in a few games in the previous month. Daigneault gave an

explanation of why it’s challenging to find space on the floor for everyone

during this week’s practice, even if it only involves suiting up.

The head coach of the Thunder declared, “He’s healthy.” There are just fifteen guys that can be dressed, and our health has been quite unusual lately. It’s been difficult to have a healthy squad for the majority of the season, but we have.”Part of it can be attributed to chance, and part

to the hard work these individuals have put in. A mix of the two. We normally

just field the fifteen players in uniform who we believe are most important for

that particular game on the evening, but you have to make three individuals

inactive.” The 2020 first-round pick for Oklahoma City has only appeared in

seven games so far this season and hasn’t established any sort of rhythm. On

October 29, he played for fourteen minutes against the Nuggets and made

two turnovers in addition to missing his lone shot attempt.

Pokusevski played in 34 games last season, averaging 20 minutes per game, 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and

1.3 blocks. His shooting percentages were constantly rising from his rookie year,

when he hit 36.5% from three-point range and 43.4% from the floor.

However, he sustained several injuries this past summer that seriously

hampered his progress. As he approached a contract year, the summer

was expected to be very important for him. Due to the Thunder’s decision not to

exercise his option, he will be a restricted free agency next summertime.

During the second half of the season, his number might still be called in case of an

injury. However, there are still a good number of guys in need of court time if

the first few months of the season are any guide time in front of him.