The OKC Thunder had a hidden gem on their bench for four years and didn't even know it. While they aren't exactly kicking themselves about Ousmane Dieng breaking out in Milwaukee, given that they're still arguably the most talented roster in the league and have a great chance of going back-to-back as NBA Champions, it still stings. He could have certainly helped rather than being a salary dump.
It felt like the Milwaukee Bucks would capitalize on OKC's decision to part with the forward, and they did early, but lately, he's been underutilized. Although not quite as egregious, the Bucks' lack of consistent minutes for Dieng feels similar to the Thunder failing to unearth what the forward could bring to the table. If this continues, it's only bound to get worse.
Bucks need to give Dieng an opportunity OKC couldn't
Despite trading several first-round picks to acquire him, the Thunder didn't use Dieng much during his four years with the team. He averaged just 12 minutes per game in that span, mostly being used as a member of mop-up duty. It's clear that they believed in him, but their stacked rosters made it tough for the lottery pick to carve out a role for himself.
Now, in Milwaukee, he's been blossoming early. In just his second game with the team, Dieng sent OKC a message with 19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks in a Bucks win. A significant reason behind those rousing numbers was that Darvin Ham, filling in as head coach, gave the forward 36 minutes, the second-most he's had in his career.
After that, it felt like Dieng was destined to earn more opportunities down the stretch, but in the two games since, he's played 37 total minutes. That's not nothing, but it's also puzzling after the outing he had against OKC. The 22-year-old clearly has something to give. This is the perfect time to throw him on the floor and see what he's made of, just like Ham did against OKC.
Dieng's role will get even murkier once Giannis Antetokounmpo returns from injury. With Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis already eating significant frontcourt minutes from Dieng, Antetokounmpo will only add another obstacle for Milwaukee's newcomer. The thought of him being banished to the bench like he was in OKC should terrify Milwaukee Bucks fans.
Dieng needs to play a role down the stretch. At the bare minimum, he should log at least 20 per game. Milwaukee has stumbled onto a hidden gem. There is no reason to bury it again. If the Bucks play their cards right here, they may have found a crucial piece of their future. OKC could afford to lose Dieng because of their championship-level talent top to bottom. Milwaukee doesn't have that.
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