The last four games from Ousmane Dieng have not been pretty. Dieng hasn't found the same type of success that immediately caught eyes when he first touched down in Milwaukee, and it's primarily in the scoring department. While he's struggling, this could be useful for Dieng in the long-term, as he's been given an extended opportunity to play through his ugly slump and grow.
Dieng's slump can be a learning experience
Over his last four games, Dieng is averaging 11.5 points on 12.3 shot attempts per game, knocking in just 38.8 percent of his shots, including 23.5 percent from deep. The slump has largely been due to a rough series of jump shots. On all jumpers in this stretch, Dieng is shooting just 11-of-34, finding very little success the moment he steps out of the paint.
The good news is that the Milwaukee Bucks can work with that right now. If they were a team intent on making the NBA Playoffs, yes, this would be troubling. However, they aren't. Milwaukee's season ends on the final day of the regular season, so they are just running out the clock. For players who might be featured less typically, they can use this opportunity to work on their craft in game situations.
Dieng should have no hesitation to shoot the ball whenver he has a good look. It appears he has not let this slump rattle his confidence, which is a positive sign. At 22 and seeing the first real action in a decent role throughout his NBA entire career, Dieng could have crumbled the second the shot failed to start falling with regularity. Yet, he's out there trying to shoot his way out of it.
Dieng could be Bucks' next success story
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the rest of the season should be about giving ample opportunities to their younger players to see who can stick around moving forward. Pete Nance is among those who have already cemented themselves in that regard, and Dieng is certainly right up there as well. He should have the greenest light down the stretch to make it a no-brainer move.
Given Milwaukee's struggles to find a stable small forward in recent years, one would think they are keen on keeping Dieng this summer. With that, they should only empower him more to fight tooth and nail to get out of this slump. Doc Rivers taking him out of the starting five in the latest game doesn't help in that regard, but as long as the minutes stay plentiful, it could all work out regardless.
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