The Milwaukee Bucks showed their faith in Ousmane Dieng by re-signing him this past summer, but he still has plenty to prove. With an opportunity to build off his strong time with the Bucks thus far, he needs to capitalize at every turn. Perhaps playing against the Chicago Bulls, a team that didn't want him a few months ago, within the first two games of the season could be a perfect motivator.
Bulls flipped Dieng to Bucks at the deadline
Ousmane Dieng had a turbulent NBA Trade Deadline. The forward got traded from OKC to Charlotte to Chicago to Milwaukee in a short window of time, not even having enough time to settle in for a cup of coffee. Given their focus on youth, the Bulls felt like the perfect spot for Dieng, but they opted to flip him in favor of Nick Richards. The Milwaukee Bucks sure are glad they did.
The forward is likely pleased with the result as well after finally getting a chance to prove himself.
Dieng blossomed with the Bucks, turning into a legitimate contributor. It looks like that will continue to be the case moving forward after his new deal. Yet, with so much other talent in town, it is unclear how big of a role he might play. Taylor Jenkins will surely be testing out his new rotations to start the year, and if Dieng impresses early, it would only strengthen his case to earn more minutes.
Dieng won't have to wait for motivation
Players will get motivation from anywhere, but playing against franchises that didn't want them is one of the biggest sources. In that case, Dieng should be fired up against OKC, Charlotte, and Chicago, as he looks to show them they were wrong to cut ties with him. The Chicago matchup stands out due to how early in the season it is, making it a perfect tone-setter after the opening clash with Washington.
If Dieng shines in that outing, further rubbing salt in the Bulls' wounds as they passed on him for a player who is still unsigned at the time of this writing, it will strengthen his case to play a prominent role for the Bucks. The biggest question surrounding the forward whether he will start or come off the bench in his first full season in Milwaukee. Either way, this is an important matchup for him.
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