Why The Clock is Ticking For OKC Thunder Forward Aleksej Pokusevski
Former first-round pick Aleksej Pokusevski is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
After an up-and-down start to his career, the Serbian forward has not yet been offered an extension by Oklahoma City, meaning that he will enter restricted free agency this offseason if Sam Presti and the Thunder decide not to extend Pokusevski a new deal before next summer.
With what Pokusevski has shown so far during his time in OKC, fans are split on whether the team should bring back the 21-year-old or let him walk in free agency.
To start the 2022-23 season, Pokusevski had the best stretch of his young career, averaging 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting over 37% from beyond the arc in Oklahoma City's first 31 games.
Unfortunately for Poku, a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture in his left leg sidelined the big man for multiple months following his breakout performance. While the versatile 7-footer was able to return to the lineup later in the season, Pokusevski didn't reach the same highs he had prior to his injury.
In the months that Pokusevski missed, the team hit its stride, climbing the Western Conference standings and pulling off some impressive victories. While the main driver of these wins was Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pokusevski being off the court when the team began to succeed made it harder for the Serbian big man to find his place on the squad after making his return.
In the end, Pokusevski averaged 8.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 blocks per game last season. If the fourth-year player is able to shoot the ball well from beyond the arc and act as a serviceable rim protector, it would not be surprising to see OKC offer Poku an extension.
Still, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2020 draft has work to do to prove that he deserves a roster spot moving forward. With so much young talent on the team and the wealth of draft picks at Presti's disposal, there are a handful of players who will have to play well enough to convince the Thunder to keep them around.
For Pokusevski, his versatility could be what lands him another contract in the Modern Frontier. In addition to his length and shooting ability, the Belgrade, Serbia, native has a good handle and has shown flashes of impressive passing ability for someone who is over 7 feet tall.
However, with Chet Holmgren set to make his debut for the Thunder this season, Jaylin Williams back for another year after surprising fans as a rookie and utility veterans like Kenrich Williams, Pokusevski will have to perform well and play within his role to give Oklahoma City confidence in offering him a contract extension.
Pokusevski was set to play with Team Serbia in the FIBA World Cup this summer, but suffered a wrist injury and was unable to compete. Serbia is currently in the tournament semi-finals.
In 2023-24, Poku is set to make just over five million dollars. If Presti and company were to let the Serbian hit restricted free agency, the qualifying offer for Pokusevski would cost OKC over seven million dollars.
To earn an extension or even the qualifying offer, Pokusevski still needs to show the front office that he can contribute to winning basketball. With so many other talented players to pay in the coming seasons, the Thunder have to be careful when giving out contract offers to ensure they will have enough cap space to sign players like Giddey, Holmgren and Jalen Williams to extensions when the time comes.
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