OKC Thunder Rookie Ousmane Dieng Returns, Sees Limited Role

Oklahoma City rookie Ousmane Dieng returned from a wrist injury, but in three games has seen limited action.

Ousmane Dieng made his return to the OKC rotation after suffering a wrist injury in early December.

Since returning, Dieng has played in three games for OKC. While back, the role he has taken on has been limited, likely in an attempt to ease him back into a bigger role as he gets more comfortable.

Even when fully healthy, Dieng hasn’t undertaken a massive role during his rookie season unlike his fellow 2022 draftee Jalen Williams. Dieng has split his time between the G League and the NBA rosters.

Since retiring Dieng has played just 9.3 minutes per game and is scoring 2.3 points and grabbing 1.3 rebounds per game.

Despite the low numbers when Dieng has shot the ball he’s shooting an efficient 60% over his three games since the return. Overall he is averaging four points, 2.6 rebounds and shooting 43.8% from the floor.

Dieng has not lit up the eyes of the NBA in his rookie season, but he is viewed as a development piece and he’s shown flashes of being a solid piece to the Thunder’s future puzzle.

The Thunder have found success with a rotation while Dieng was absent and are now slowly working the rookie forward back into the fold.

Dieng provides depth inside as he’s long and lengthy, something OKC desperately needs with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Aleksej Pokusevski still out with injuries.

The results will come for Dieng it will just take time, and OKC is showing they are committed to the process. 

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