Oklahoma City Thunder to Waive Aleksej Pokusevski: A Breakdown

In a surprising move, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reports that the Oklahoma City Thunder will waive forward Aleksej Pokusevski.

Game Absence Sparks Speculation

Pokusevski’s absence from the recent game against the Los Angeles Clippers raised eyebrows, leading observers to speculate about his future with the team.

Stats Overview: Underwhelming Performance

In his limited appearances this season, Pokusevski has struggled to make a significant impact, averaging only 1.2 points and 1.0 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 25.0% from the field.

🚨 The Thunder are waiving former No.17 pick Aleksej Pokusevski, per @ShamsCharania.

Poku averaged 7.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 150 regular-season games. pic.twitter.com/VyMAYKQhlA

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 23, 2024

End of an Era: Pokusevski’s Stint with Thunder

The Thunder drafted Pokusevski as the No. 17 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He has played 150 games for the team over almost four years, showcasing flashes of potential but failing to consistently deliver.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are waiving Aleksej Pokusevski, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Pokusevski was the Thunder’s No. 17 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and played 150 games across almost four years. pic.twitter.com/1m8d86W10C

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2024

Potential Future Moves: Interest from Other Teams

Despite his underwhelming performance with the Thunder, Pokusevski’s youth and previous first-round status could attract interest from other teams once he clears waivers.

Thunder’s Season: Remarkable Performance

The Thunder currently hold the second seed in the Western Conference with a 38-17 record, proving to be formidable contenders.

Steady Streak: Thunder’s Recent Performance

With a three-game winning streak and a 6-4 record in their last ten games, the Thunder are demonstrating consistency and resilience on the court.

Upcoming Game: Thunder vs. Wizards

The Thunder will face the Washington Wizards next, boasting a strong home record of 22-6 in 28 games, indicating their dominance in their arena.

Thunder’s Bold Move Amidst Success

As the Thunder navigate through a successful season, the decision to waive Pokusevski reflects their commitment to making strategic moves to further solidify their position as contenders in the Western Conference.

Thunder have waived Aleksej Pokusevski.

Wishing Poku well.

OKC now has an open roster spot. pic.twitter.com/bePu9hfDr5

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 23, 2024