For years now, the Milwaukee Bucks have struggled to adequately fill out their wing depth, but it looks like they've stumbled onto a legitimate option in Ousmane Dieng. Though not a natural small forward, Doc Rivers made it clear following Milwaukee's win over the Orlando Magic that Dieng will be used as a "three" for the team, and he's excited about it.
"A natural three. You know, now we've got a big three on our hands."
Bucks will attempt to have Dieng fill glaring roster flaw
It's been a rough few years for Milwaukee at small forward, notably since Khris Middleton started to battle the injury bug more often.
This season, it's been particularly brutal. Taurean Prince has played just eight contests due to injury. Amir Coffey, once viewed as a steal, didn't even make it beyond the trade deadline. The Bucks have tried to patch the holes with players like Kyle Kuzma, Gary Trent Jr., and AJ Green, but none of them have worked out overly well.
Now, it's Dieng's turn to see if he can help put an end to this issue.
What's interesting is that much like Kuzma, Trent, and Green, Dieng isn't a true small forward either, as mentioned. In fact, per Basketball Reference, the 22-year-old has played just seven percent of his career minutes at the small forward spot. At 6-foot-9, he has primarily been used as a power forward and sometimes a center. Sliding him to the three would certainly be an interesting change of pace.
Perhaps the hope is that Dieng, who, again, is still just 22, could attack this goal the same way that a young Giannis Antetokounmpo did. During the first four seasons of his NBA career, Giannis played 38 percent of his time at the three, the most of any position. As he grew taller and packed on significant muscle mass, the Greek Freak transitioned to power forward and occasional center.
Like a young Antetokounmpo, Dieng is also lean and lengthy, so it's possible he can hold up if playing at the small forward spot.
At this point, it's worth trying. The Milwaukee Bucks don't have any other options coming. The trade for Dieng was already great, but if he can be a legitimate option to shake the curse that has lingered over Milwaukee anytime they try to add small forward depth, it will only earn more praise. The Bucks have a legitimate diamond in the rough on their hands in Ousmane Dieng.
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