Aleksej Pokusevski - 2020 NBA Prospect

[DAF86]

https://youtu.be/kjMNKwnB8cc

Dude was desperately needing some G-league action. He looks much more poised and in control on offense now.

[Mr. Body]

I don't think it's a matter of him being an atrocious shooter, it's just more about your second idea: he's taking awful shots. A lot of off the bounce 3's. Once his shot selection improves, his % will go up.

His form is... okay. He needs to straighten up and build a better base, plus he flicks it more than actually shoots it. But it's not terrible form.

But those shooting percentages aren't just awful shot selection. That's a big part of it, though. Again I wonder what the coaching staff is thinking.

[DAF86]

His form is... okay. He needs to straighten up and build a better base, plus he flicks it more than actually shoots it. But it's not terrible form.

But those shooting percentages aren't just awful shot selection. That's a big part of it, though. Again I wonder what the coaching staff is thinking.

He has always been an above average jump shooter even at this early age. His shot will be fine, imho.

[R. DeMurre]

His form is... okay. He needs to straighten up and build a better base, plus he flicks it more than actually shoots it. But it's not terrible form.

But those shooting percentages aren't just awful shot selection. That's a big part of it, though. Again I wonder what the coaching staff is thinking.

I'd say it's part of his development. Let em shoot. He's already an effective rebounder, shot blocker, and assist guy-- the last part of him becoming an all round threat is the development of his jump shot.
George Hill's shooting in his first Summer League was so bad that Pop wondered if they'd made a mistake picking him, and that was at age 22 after four years of college. A decade later, he led the entire NBA in 3pt%. Pokusevski is playing in the NBA at age 19, after one season as the youngest player on a second tier Euro team.

[Mr. Body]

I'd say it's part of his development. Let em shoot. He's already an effective rebounder, shot blocker, and assist guy-- the last part of him becoming an all round threat is the development of his jump shot.
George Hill's shooting in his first Summer League was so bad that Pop wondered if they'd made a mistake picking him, and that was at age 22 after four years of college. A decade later, he led the entire NBA in 3pt%. Pokusevski is playing in the NBA at age 19, after one season as the youngest player on a second tier Euro team.

"Let him shoot" isn't a great philosophy when he's so poor at it. You've got to actually, you know, coach and fix things.

[GreekSpursfan]

If he has the work ethic and he does, i know a lot about him being from Greece and all. He can be an above average starter in two or three years. I dont see star but a very good contributor that can show flashes of stardom in certain games. Of course it all depends on the situation he's in, coaching stuff, people that influence him. We'll see.

[Ditty]

His shooting form reminds me so much of Ryan Anderson. He looks like he is going to be heck of a player. Looks like Presti and Methlahoma got another good one.

[DAF86]

Look at all that swagger in some of those moves. The game is starting to slow down for him and you can tell he's getting more and more comfortable.

QqWbJJ5gkXs

Remember folks, this is suppossed to be a 3 years prospect. The youngest player in the league. Also younger than any guy in the upcoming draft.

[DAF86]

If we had drafted this guy we would at least have the hope of maaaybe having drafted a franchise level player right now (regardless of whether or not those lofty expectations become a reality or not).

[pad300]

If we had drafted this guy we would at least have the hope of maaaybe having drafted a franchise level player right now (regardless of whether or not those lofty expectations become a reality or not).

Pretty much. He's got a lot of game. Some physical development and he could be a viable #1 option. That's why I thought we should draft him. We are going to go into this draft looking for a #1 level option again. Unless we really get lucky with the lottery, we are going to have to start taking more chances with our drafting to get that guy.

[R. DeMurre]

Waaay ahead of schedule. In theory, at his age, he should be playing his first full season with the Olympiacos A Team, getting acclimated to playing Euro pros that aren't teenagers, or finishing up his freshman season in college.

[BackHome]

If he can stay healthy he will be the steal of that draft hands down

[R. DeMurre]

if the draft were redone today, he'd no doubt be picked ahead of the formerly "most NBA ready/will contribute immediately" Obi Toppin, who is looking like the biggest bust in the lottery so far.

[r0drig0lac]

NBA Central
@TheNBACentral


Aleksej Pokusevski tonight:

25 points
9 rebounds
4 assists
9/14 FG
7/11 3PT

[DAF86]

if the draft were redone today, he'd no doubt be picked ahead of the formerly "most NBA ready/will contribute immediately" Obi Toppin, who is looking like the biggest bust in the lottery so far.

He would be picked top 5, if not top 3.

In 4 of the last 5 games: 21, 20, 19 and 25.

A 3 years prospect.

[TheGreatYacht]

This scrub isn’t even the best rookie on his team. He’s putting up empty stats on a mediocre team like Michael Carter Williams used to on the “Process” Sixers. :lol

OKC’s last 8 games:
L (-9) vs MEM
L (-17) vs BOS
L (-21) vs DAL
W (+10) vs TOR ... He was DNP :wow
L (-37) @ PHX
L (-48) @ POR
L (-24) vs DET
L (-11) vs CHA

[TheGreatYacht]

Instead of sucking this historically inefficient bum dry, y’all need to start talking about how Presti did a-fucking-gain.... he found the next French steal of the draft just like he did with Parker in 2001. Tony’s protege.

1379982530917634056
1378198753857900548

[BackHome]

What team does Theo play for?

[talkspurs]

What team does Theo play for?

Are you asking this because of the previous post and if that is the case can you not look at his jersey to tell?

[slick'81]

Prest found another1

[DAF86]

ryl2mnB-xBw

[R. DeMurre]

Instead of sucking this historically inefficient bum dry, y’all need to start talking about how Presti did a-fucking-gain.... he found the next French steal of the draft just like he did with Parker in 2001. Tony’s protege.

1379982530917634056
1378198753857900548


Maledon, being on the same rebuilding team, has similar +/- numbers... funny how you conveniently left those out!

4/5: -26
4/3: -46
4/2: -26
3/31: -1
3/29: -26
3/27: -16
3/24: -17

You can't argue that Pokusevski puts up "empty stats" and then offer up Maledon as some kind of alternative.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/QCHspencer/status/1379952731201343491?s=20

[CGD]

Dude has a long way to go, and I think all these figures are misleading. Dude gets to take a ton of shots.

but one thing that has stood out to me is his passing/vision. That seems pretty special already.

[Maddog]

Dude has a long way to go, and I think all these figures are misleading. Dude gets to take a ton of shots.

but one thing that has stood out to me is his passing/vision. That seems pretty special already.

It's hard to argue with the Spurs draft results. Given the inexact science behind this, I'm a little worried they may have whiffed this past year.
I said in another thread, I'm a little underwhelmed with Vassell,
It's way too early to tell of course and I realize I'm in the minority

[exstatic]

It's hard to argue with the Spurs draft results. Given the inexact science behind this, I'm a little worried they may have whiffed this past year.
I said in another thread, I'm a little underwhelmed with Vassell,
It's way too early to tell of course and I realize I'm in the minority

:lol. He had no summer league and a minimal training camp, and he’s already better than any of our young players as rookies, except DJ.

[pad300]

I don't think they whiffed on Vassel, I strongly suspect he's gonna be pretty good. I do think they made a mistake with Poku. He's got some special in his game. For strategic reasons, they should have taken the risk: a shot at a championship worthy #1 option just doesn't come around that often...

[NASpurs]

Pokémon would had been getting the Samanic treatment right now so it’s all moot.

[Maddog]

:lol. He had no summer league and a minimal training camp, and he’s already better than any of our young players as rookies, except DJ.

I'm hopping that's the case,
Like I said I realize I'm in the minority and they're plenty of examples of rookies not doing well then blossoming later and of course vice versa.

[exstatic]

I'm hopping that's the case,
Like I said I realize I'm in the minority and they're plenty of examples of rookies not doing well then blossoming later and of course vice versa.

He’s already a quality 3 and D player, out of the box.

[DAF86]

I don't think they whiffed on Vassel, I strongly suspect he's gonna be pretty good. I do think they made a mistake with Poku. He's got some special in his game. For strategic reasons, they should have taken the risk: a shot at a championship worthy #1 option just doesn't come around that often...

Pretty much this. I like Vassell, and I think he will prove to be a very solid piece for years to come; but Poku has franchise carrying ceiling.

[SpursDynasty85]

I don't think they whiffed on Vassel, I strongly suspect he's gonna be pretty good. I do think they made a mistake with Poku. He's got some special in his game. For strategic reasons, they should have taken the risk: a shot at a championship worthy #1 option just doesn't come around that often...


Definitely not a whiff. Gauranteed double with Vassell vs the risky Poku which may be a homer for OKC. We shall see.

[BackHome]

I think we whiffed on draft not because Vassell is bad more so I think Poku is that Unicorn players every one dreams about - Have to give you credit Exsatic your were a big sponsor for drafting Poku I think he will be an All Star in two years.

As far as Vassell he was a safe bet and showed that they think Murray is our PG of the future (Not so sure about that) and went with I think need more then value. One thing I think would have really helped him would to have gotten some G League burn I think it would have helped with his confidence and also his overall game. I would have told him your playing point and you better be shooting 20 times a game as he needs to really work on being more aggressive on offense - I hope to God POP,has plans more then making him Danny 2.0

[DAF86]

Pokémon would had been getting the Samanic treatment right now so it’s all moot.

It's funny (and sad) 'cause it's true. If the Spurs had drafted him, he may not even be on the NBA right now.

[exstatic]

It's funny (and sad) 'cause it's true. If the Spurs had drafted him, he may not even be on the NBA right now.
I think he’s not here, because of Samanic. Maybe they were at their limit for long shot development projects. He’s had some good games, and some horrible, Samanic like ones. His overall numbers, while trending up, aren’t great. I’ll wait until the end of the season to even pronounce him better than Vassell.

[R. DeMurre]

And keep in mind: Samanic, Keldon, and Vassell are the "young" players on the Spurs, with respective ages of 21, 21, & 20. Poku is still a teenager, and won't be 20 for 9 months, next December.

[Trill Clinton]

Pokémon would had been getting the Samanic treatment right now so it’s all moot.

Nah. Samanic sucks in the playing time he does get. Poku would at least be aggressive on offense which would give him more PT.

[Sugus]

Nah. Samanic sucks in the playing time he does get. Poku would at least be aggressive on offense which would give him more PT.

Yeah, he definitely wouldn't get neutered at the first sign of aggresive play, benched and DNP'd for games on end, until he learned to "get over himself" and start looking over his shoulder before taking shots that should be going to the vets. It's not like we have seen this story before, at all....... :lol

[BackHome]

Nah. Samanic sucks in the playing time he does get. Poku would at least be aggressive on offense which would give him more PT.

Luka would be putting up some great numbers if he was playing for OK where they give players a lot of freedom since they not close to a playoff team. And Poku would be getting same treatment Luka got he would have played in G League his first year for sure

[Trill Clinton]

Luka would be putting up some great numbers if he was playing for OK where they give players a lot of freedom since they not close to a playoff team. And Poku would be getting same treatment Luka got he would have played in G League his first year for sure

How is it Pop's fault Luka moves like a lost Robot with cement shoes?

[Seventyniner]

I wouldn't put much stock in counting numbers for a tanking team. 7/11 from three is legit though.

[exstatic]

I wouldn't put much stock in counting numbers for a tanking team. 7/11 from three is legit though.

Yeah, but his overall % is below 30, and that’s after that outburst. He still has potential, but I still see him as a 2-3 year project. He’s not there yet.

[DAF86]

I wouldn't put much stock in counting numbers for a tanking team. 7/11 from three is legit though.

It's not about the counting the stats. It's about the flashes of brillance he displays at such an early age.

[BackHome]

How is it Pop's fault Luka moves like a lost Robot with cement shoes?

I will still take him as he at least knows how to play defense and get rebound vs Walker who still doesn’t know what to do on defense I keep seeing a younger Derozz in Walker as far as IQ and defensive ability

[SpursDynasty85]

I will still take him as he at least knows how to play defense and get rebound vs Walker who still doesn’t know what to do on defense I keep seeing a younger Derozz in Walker as far as IQ and defensive ability


your overrating his defense based on 40 min of game film in special circumstances. If you’ve watched Luka in the G League you would know his defense is rather ugly especially when quicker players attack the basket. He gets goaded into fouling all the time. His finishing is also as bad as Walkers for now too. Ball always gets poked away. Hopefully he gets a better feel of the game soon or this pick might look pretty bad. But yes I would still love to see him play. I’m all for the tank as long as it makes sense. I’ll trust the front office for now. Glad to see Vassell, Walker, and Keldon at least.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://sports.yahoo.com/okc-thunder-forward-aleksej-pokusevski-170035995.html


Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski (https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2022/11/23/okc-thunders-patience-aleksej-pokusevskis-perseverance-pays-off/69672379007/) sustained a small fracture in his right arm during an offseason workout in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, the team announced.Pokusevski will be reevaluated in four to six weeks.
The specific injury is a humerus fracture, which is a bone in the upper arm. According to the Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22990-humerus-fracture#:~:text=What%20are%20humerus%20fractures% 3F,surgery%20to%20repair%20your%20bone.), "humerus fractures are usually caused by traumas like car accidents or falls."
It's the latest injury blow to Pokusevski, who was limited to 34 games last season, mostly in part to a left leg fracture (https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2022/12/29/okc-thunder-aleksej-pokusevski-out-indefinitely-with-broken-left-leg/69763129007/) that sidelined him for two months.

[BacktoBasics]

I think we whiffed on draft not because Vassell is bad more so I think Poku is that Unicorn players every one dreams about - Have to give you credit Exsatic your were a big sponsor for drafting Poku I think he will be an All Star in two years.

As far as Vassell he was a safe bet and showed that they think Murray is our PG of the future (Not so sure about that) and went with I think need more then value. One thing I think would have really helped him would to have gotten some G League burn I think it would have helped with his confidence and also his overall game. I would have told him your playing point and you better be shooting 20 times a game as he needs to really work on being more aggressive on offense - I hope to God POP,has plans more then making him Danny 2.0
This take aged like dogshit.

[Twisted_Dawg]

This take aged like dogshit.

:bobo

[Mr. Body]

Every time I saw Pokusevski play, he had the worst 3pt shot I've ever seen. A brick factory.

[benefactor]

This take aged like dogshit.
Well consider the source tbh

[CGD]

Damn, I was legit curious to see him and Chet playing together

[rascal]

Damn, I was legit curious to see him and Chet playing together

You may never see that.

Both players are made out of glass.

[Mr. Body]

Aleksej Pokusevski, SpursTalk legend and future OKC unicorn, has now been waived.

[ginobilized]

Poku, we hardly knew ye. Just shows how the draft is a crapshoot. 17th pick in 2020.

Who do the Thunder sign now? I watched them last night, man, they are a great team. Fun to watch, lots of offensive flow, multiple guys who can create their own shot, great hustle. Made it all the more clear that we have a LONG way to go.

[Leetonidas]

Future MVP...

[Mr. Body]

Shit, OKC traded the draft rights to Jaden McDaniels and Immanuel Quickley to get this dude. Sam Presti, fucking genius.

[Mr. Body]

And Ricky Rubio.

[Mnky]

Eventually OKC has to start making moves or just let their assets go. You can't keep and pay everyone. I'd rather have too many draft picks than none, but this is likely to be quite a trend with their roster space becoming very limited with all the picks.

[spurraider21]

Eventually OKC has to start making moves or just let their assets go. You can't keep and pay everyone. I'd rather have too many draft picks than none, but this is likely to be quite a trend with their roster space becoming very limited with all the picks.
this is why they need to start packaging picks for players and begin consolidating their assets

you have to think Shai/Chet/Jalen is a good enough foundation to start building out the edges of a contending roster

[Mr. Body]

this is why they need to start packaging picks for players and begin consolidating their assets

you have to think Shai/Chet/Jalen is a good enough foundation to start building out the edges of a contending roster

It better be, they have a nice basket of picks left, but none of them are going to be top picks. They may lose one of their two mid-lottery picks this year depending on what Utah does. IMO the lucky thing for them is that they're rising in an era when the last good western teams are falling. Peak Warriors would obliterate them.

[Maddog]

Let's sign him!
He can be the enforcer next to Wenby

[ambchang]

No way, according to Spurstalk only our incompetent can have busts drafted in the 1st rounds. Every single 1st round pick should play 15 years and be at least starters, if not borderline all stars.

[spurraider21]

It better be, they have a nice basket of picks left, but none of them are going to be top picks. They may lose one of their two mid-lottery picks this year depending on what Utah does. IMO the lucky thing for them is that they're rising in an era when the last good western teams are falling. Peak Warriors would obliterate them.
peak warriors obliterate most of nba history tbh :lol

[Mr. Body]

Let's sign him!
He can be the enforcer next to Wenby

Bamboo sticks can really hurt when struck over the shins.

[Mr. Body]

peak warriors obliterate most of nba history tbh :lol

And when they were going to lose, they rolled out an enforcer to step under a player's ankles.

[exstatic]

Let's sign him!
He can be the enforcer next to Wenby

He makes Wemby look like Ben Wallace. Did not they put players on a strength program in OKC? Because this mofo still looks like a stick in year 4. I was also wrong about Dieng being the only player not to learn to shoot from Chip. Poku never did, either.

[exstatic]

Shit, OKC traded the draft rights to Jaden McDaniels and Immanuel Quickley to get this dude. Sam Presti, fucking genius.

Yeah, people here only trumpet his successes, not his failures like this or 3 FRPs for Dieng.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, people here only trumpet his successes, not his failures like this or 3 FRPs for Dieng.

Drafting Alperen Sengun and trading him to the Rockets.

[Ariel]

Drafting Alperen Sengun and trading him to the Rockets.
Well, let's put it this way: if I'm going to pass on Sengun, I'd rather it be for 2 picks than for Josh Primo.

[Mr. Body]

Well, let's put it this way: if I'm going to pass on Sengun, I'd rather it be for 2 picks than for Josh Primo.

Doesn't make it any less of a mistake.

[scott]

Well, let's put it this way: if I'm going to pass on Sengun, I'd rather it be for 2 picks than for Josh Primo.

two picks that have not yet conveyed and are uncertain when they will though


The Rockets traded two heavily protected first-round picks (https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/07/rockets-to-acquire-16th-pick-from-thunder.html) owned by the Pistons and Wizards for Sengun.The pick from the Pistons was top 16 protected in 2022 and top 18 protected in 2023, so it hasn't yet been conveyed. If it's not conveyed in 2024 (top 18 protected), 2025 (top 13 protected), 2026 (top 11 protected) or 2027 (top nine protected), it will turn into a 2027 second-round pick.
The pick from the Wizards was top 14 protected in 2023. It also didn't convey. If it's not conveyed in 2024 (top 12 protected), 2025 (top 10 protected) or 2026 (top eight protected), it will turn into second round picks in 2026 and 2027.

[Ariel]

Doesn't make it any less of a mistake.
Not saying it wasn't, I'm just saying it seems a bit ironic to pick on Presti for it when lots of teams passed on Sengun and for much less, starting with the Spurs

[Ariel]

two picks that have not yet conveyed and are uncertain when they will though
Yeah, definitely a steal by Houston, not arguing otherwise, Honestly, Houston has done better with their late teens drafting than with their top picks: Sengun + Tari Eason + Cam Whitmore vs Jalen Green + Jabari Smith Jr + Amen Thompson. Much better bang for the buck.

[Mr. Body]

Presti was gifted SGA, took a no-brainer in Chet Holmgren, and made a huge call on Jalen Williams. Cason Wallace looks pretty good. He's put together a great roster. But he's made a lot of mistakes, like really bad ones. Pokusevski instead of Quickley and McDaniels is astounding. It looks like Giddey instead of Franz Wagner was a massive mistake, too.

[scott]

Presti was gifted SGA, took a no-brainer in Chet Holmgren, and made a huge call on Jalen Williams. Cason Wallace looks pretty good. He's put together a great roster. But he's made a lot of mistakes, like really bad ones. Pokusevski instead of Quickley and McDaniels is astounding. It looks like Giddey instead of Franz Wagner was a massive mistake, too.

To be fair to Presti, when you have a zillion picks, it allows you to make mistakes (even massive ones). So at least he's done a good job putting himself in that position.

[Mr. Body]

Also drafted Brandon Clarke but immediately traded him for Darius Bazely.

[exstatic]

Not saying it wasn't, I'm just saying it seems a bit ironic to pick on Presti for it when lots of teams passed on Sengun and for much less, starting with the Spurs

Were not picking on him, just balancing out the Presti sniffers.

[scott]

Presti took a team down to the studs and rebuilt it in 3 years of missed playoff appearances. Let’s see if PAFTO can do the same after 5 straight missed playoff appearances.

[Mnky]

this is why they need to start packaging picks for players and begin consolidating their assets

you have to think Shai/Chet/Jalen is a good enough foundation to start building out the edges of a contending roster

Agreed, that's a pretty good core to build around as well. If they pick up one more superstar with all those assets, they'll be legit contenders.