Milwaukee Bucks fans were disappointed when newcomer Ousmane Dieng was ruled out for the game against the Indiana Pacers. Just over a day after he was traded to Milwaukee in a three-team deal with Charlotte and Chicago, Dieng seemingly wasn't ready. However, in a sudden twist, Dieng has been upgraded to available, being cleared to make his debut against the visiting Indiana Pacers.
Bucks newcomer is ready to roll against Indiana
Dieng won't be a game-changer for the Milwaukee Bucks, but he does add a layer of intrigue to this home game, which sees the team welcome in a rival. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma ruled out and Bobby Portis still questionable, having Dieng in the lineup could be a huge lift to make sure the team has some size on the floor.
The story of Dieng's career so far has been that he hasn't earned much of an opportunity, serving as a bench piece for the OKC Thunder for years. Well, in his first game in Milwaukee, there is a good shot they throw him right into the battlefield. It won't be shocking if he looks a bit lost, but it will be his time to show the team what he can bring to the table on the fly.
At 22, Dieng is another young project for this roster. While their drafting issues are still apparent, Milwaukee has quietly been striking gold on buy-low projects via other avenues. AJ Green came to the team as an undrafted free agent. Ryan Rollins was a hidden gem free agent. Pete Nance, who has been playing exceptionally well lately, was in the market for a new home.
Can Dieng be the next under-the-radar find? The potential is there. There's a reason he was selected 11th overall just a few short years ago. He's fairly raw as a player, but again, he's 22 and hasn't played a vital role throughout much of his career. This is the kind of buy-low move the Bucks will always be justified in making.
The Pacers, on the other hand, will not have their big trade deadline addition, as Ivica Zubac has been ruled out due to not being with the team yet. Ditto for fellow newcomer Kobe Brown. Obi Toppin and Tyrese Haliburton are also both out.
Both teams are banged up beyond belief, but still, the sudden debut of Dieng gives Milwaukee fans something to watch very closely.
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