NBA 2022/23 – Rookie Ousmane Dieng’s debut is smooth. The 19-year-old Frenchman, drafted in 11th position by the Oklahoma City Thunder, was sent to his range in the G-League. He will play with the “reserve team” of the Thunder for a few games, in order to have playing time that he could not have had in the NBA.
This is a rather unexpected announcement from the Thunder. The Oklahoma franchise sent two of its rookies, Jaylin Williams et Ousmane Dieng, in his G-League team. The Frenchman, as a lottery pick, could have expected to spend the entire season with the NBA team. But franchise executives deemed it preferable that he train and play with the reserve team. OKC’s Blue is used by its parent franchise as a tool for the development of young players. As explained Olivier Sarr, also moved to Blue last season: “We are lucky at Blue because they work hand in hand with the NBA team. We have the same systems, our own room: we have good conditions. »
This passage could therefore be a blessing in disguise for Dieng. Even if the statistics are not there (1.8 point, 1.6 rebound at 22% shooting), the Frenchman was rather convincing in the 5 games he played in the NBA. Especially in defense, where it was less expected. His pre-season was also excellent. The coaching staff has just not enough minutes to give him for him to develop properly. His winger / strong winger position is blocked. At least 5 players are ahead of him in the rotation. It will be the opposite in the G-League. He should play around 30 minutes per game. He will have the opportunity to prove himself on Saturday November 5 for the Blue’s premiere against the famous G-League Ignite.
The Oklahoma City Thunder has assigned forwards Ousmane Dieng and Jaylin Williams to the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League, per Thunder PR.
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) October 28, 2022
