Thunder's Lottery Project Could Benefit Most From Summer League Run

Oklahoma City's promising collections of prospects will have plenty to prove this summer.

When the Thunder selected Ousmane Dieng in the lottery, development and patience was at the forefront of decision making. Oklahoma City knew he would be a project player, and the real prize was in the potential.

After his first season in the NBA, the thought process was right on the money. Dieng might have a long way to go, but it’s hard not to be excited about his potential on both ends of the floor. He was able to secure valuable minutes down the stretch and provided positives on the floor, but the real growth in his game starts this summer.

On a Thunder team trying to make a postseason run, the rookie had to fit into a specific role and play mistake-free basketball. With a longer leash and a green light, his real skillset will shine through. If he does, in fact, suit up for Oklahoma City’s Summer League squad, his production and growth should prioritized.

In his post-season exit interview, Dieng mentioned he plans on playing this summer — which would be enormous for his confidence. Obviously, Thunder brass will have the final say, but letting him loose feels like the right call. Last summer, Aleksej Pokusevski skipped out on Summer League to work specifically on the Thunder’s individual development plan, and that type of scenario is really the only one that could hold Dieng out.

Most of the top-end talent on the Thunder has outgrown the Summer League, and it's unclear if Chet Holmgren will give it another go. Dieng could be the offensive focus. Last summer, Dieng suited up after being selected No. 11 in the NBA Draft, but wasn't necessarily assertive on the offensive end. Oklahoma City had go-to scorers, with players like Holmgren, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams.

Assuming he plays, though, he’ll get to experiment and try new things — which could be the most efficient way for him to grow as a player. Dieng played with freedom in the G League over the course of the season and in his rehab assignment. He only totaled nine games with the Blue, but averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists. The 6-foot-10 wing shot 45.3% from the floor and 34.9% from 3-point range on 15.4 shots per game.

Dieng was able to showcase his promise late in the season with the Thunder, dropping 22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in Oklahoma City’s last game of the season. The way he can bully guards into the lane and handle the ball, especially at his size, provides serious upside. With added strength and a filled out frame, Dieng could certainly be a problem.

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