Many experts and analysts for the NBA are predicting the Oklahoma City Thunder to be one of the best up and coming teams in the league with a ton of young talent. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to Jalen Williams and Aaron Wiggins, OKC has a variety of current and rising stars. But one such Thunder player is flying under the radar, and he might have the skill sets to be one of the best.
With the 11th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Thunder selected a young forward by the name of Ousmane Dieng. Originally from France, Dieng is a 6'10" elite athlete who prospered overseas. While his nine points, one assist and three rebounds with the New Zealand Breakers did not appear like much on paper, the film said otherwise.
From ferocious drives to the paint and spectacular finishing to guard-like ball handling and being able to shoot from anywhere on the court, Dieng was the complete package skill wise. And with other French athletes like Victor Wembanyama displaying a ton of promise, the Thunder felt that they struck gold with Dieng.
While Dieng only saw around 13 minutes of playing time in his first two NBA seasons, his potential shined in the G League. In his 2023/24 season, Dieng averaged 17 points, five assists and nearly eight boards. With those stats, Dieng helped lead the OKC Blue to the G League Finals and secured the championship as well as the Finals MVP.
Now, as he enters the 2024/25 season as a member of the OKC Thunder, Dieng looks to improve in all facets of his game and help contribute to winning games for the Thunder. While the current OKC roster is deep, if there is one thing the franchise is great at; it is player development.
So Thunder fans should keep an eye out for Ousmane Dieng, as he could shock the National Basketball Association.
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