Why There is Reason for Optimism with Ousmane Dieng Ahead of Regular Season

Throughout last season, Ousmane Dieng’s rookie year wasn’t anything to write home about. But what most don’t seem to understand, is that a slow start is perfectly fine.

It was apparent Dieng would be a developmental project as a prototypical, lanky and offensive-minded wing who holds the creative knack to score. But whose game does this description also emulate?

A smooth, fluid handler and scorer, former Thunder star Paul George.

Not a direct comparison, but in terms of a broad description, each share a similar play style and plan of attack. they both excel in transition, are able to playmake, and able to create for themselves with George standing at 6-foot-8 and Dieng at 6-foot-10, each weighing 200 pounds.

Paul George’s rookie season was nothing to write home about, either. Examining both players’ statistics per 36 minutes throughout their rookie seasons, they are quite similar.

George accounted for 13.5 points on 45.3% from the field on 4.5 makes off 11.2 attempts per 36 minutes. For Dieng, he’d post 12.2 points on 4.8 makes off 11.5 attempts to shoot 42% from the field.

George averaged just under two steals while Dieng notched just under a single steal per 36 minutes, but Dieng beat him in the assist category, 2.9 to 1.8.

This is not to project Dieng to be near the likes of George in terms of talent and production at any time in his career, rather than highlight just how difficult it is to transition to the NBA and immediately make an impact for a team in your first season.

George is not the only example of a somewhat underwhelming (which it really wasn’t) rookie campaign. Kobe Bryant, the late, legendary Los Angeles Laker, only averaged 5.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game to kindle his acclaimed career.

It’s not all or nothing in a player’s rookie year when looking at a progressional like Dieng. He’s improved, and it was showcased throughout the Thunder’s slate of preseason contests. There are still plenty of mistakes and some careless plays at times, but his vision as a facilitator, presence as a scorer and awareness on the court have visibly developed.

“I feel like I’m more comfortable with the ball,” Dieng said following Thunder training camp on Wednesday. “But I’m trying to work on [playing without the ball] too, and keep creating without the ball. That’s something I’m working on and I feel better [about].”

Throughout his five preseason games played, Dieng was numerously the first substitution and averaged 22.8 minutes per contest, scoring 8.8 points on 41.2% shooting.

While he still progresses, he’ll continue to establish his true role and feel within this emerging, young Oklahoma City team. Rookie seasons are not meant to be perfect and that is fine, so long as there are improvements as a sophomore. That said, keep an eye out for Dieng’s progression this season.

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