Ousmane Dieng Providing Valuable Support Since Returning From G League Stint

Ousmane Dieng didn’t play for the Thunder in nearly a month, but he’s played well since his return.

Ousmane Dieng was always going to need time to develop, so Oklahoma City took the risk.

The Thunder had already secured Chet Holmgren and were a pick away from securing Jalen Williams. They could afford to take on another young player with a high ceiling but enter the league raw.

Since the beginning of the season Dieng has split time between playing with the NBA club and playing with the OKC Blue in the G League. The time spent in the G League isn’t due to poor performance, it's a chance for Dieng to refine his skills with more personalized attention and against players focused on the same thing.

In his most recent stretch in the G League just ended on Friday when he returned to the hardwood in a Thunder uniform. Dieng didn’t play in a Thunder game for nearly a month between being in the G League and the All Star Break.

Dieng has now played two games for OKC since returning, both against the Jazz, and has seen a larger role. Coming off the bench in both, as he’s done in all 20 appearances, he’s played 21 and 20 minutes respectively.

With Kenrich Williams out, everyone on the bench’s role expands to fill gaps in the rotation. For Dieng he’s used the chance to add to the OKC offense and show his development. The rookie is shooting near 57% since his return from the Blue with an 8-for-14 mark. He is also 2-of-6 from 3-point range.

Dieng is averaging 4.4 points per game this season, though he has been a key contributor to the OKC bench offense in the two March games. Dieng scored nine points in his return and then a bench leading 12 points on Sunday. The Thunder won both games.

He has notched four rebounds in both games, well above his 2.7 season average. The French prospect also grabbed two steals on Sunday.

Dieng’s shown flashes like he has since his most recent return at times each stint he’s had with the Thunder roster and continues to develop. With OKC in need of a new player in a Kenny Hustle role Dieng has a chance to earn a longer stay in the NBA. 

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