Pokusevski: Basketball dreams, injury troubles and future prospects
The teenager traveled far away, and the twists and turns made the achievements.
From Novi Sad in Serbia to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Alexei Pokusevski's basketball path has been quite tortuous. According to a report from Shams, the Thunder announced that they had cut the No. 17 pick in 2020. 150 games, 206 minutes of playing time, 75 points 47 rebounds and 2With 0 assists, Pokusevski's NBA career doesn't seem to be that dazzling.
Pokushevsky: Where dreams begin.
Alexei Pokushevsky was born on 26 December 2001 in Serbia. He is 213 cm tall and weighs only 953 kg, playing as a power forward or center. In 2015, he was selected by Greek giants Olympiacos as part of the club's academy. However, his basketball career has not been without its challenges. During the Kosovo War, Pokusevsky's parents fled to Montenegro, Belgrade, and finally to Novi Sad. Growing up in an unpeaceful environment, he showed an early love for basketball. Due to his height, he was sent to the local basketball club for training.
European Arena: The Rise of Poku.
Pokusevski made his European League debut for Olympiacos in February 2019, becoming the youngest Europa League player in the club's history. However, due to the club's conflict with the Greek league, he could only play for the second team. Despite the performance on the European stage, the real test is in the NBA.
NBA debut: highs and lows.
On December 27, 2020, Pokusevski made his NBA debut, but in that game against the Hornets, he played 10 minutes and failed to score, with only four rebounds, one steal and one block. However, Pocu's real breakthrough came in March of the following year, when he played 39 minutes against the Grizzlies, scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, showing his potential. In the following games, Poku gradually found his rhythm, especially against the Clippers, playing 40 minutes, cutting 29 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists, becoming the highlight of his career.
Injury troubles: talent and challenges.
However, injuries have cast a shadow over Pokusevski's career. The Thunder officially announced that he suffered a non-displaced tibial fracture in his left leg, and in June 2023, he suffered a minor fracture of his right humerus. For the entire 22-23 season, Poku was only able to play in 34 games, averaging 81 point 47 rebounds 19 assists 06 steals 13 blocks and 106 missed games. For the Thunder, it may not be unreasonable to cut him.
Challenges and Futures: Strength and Opportunity.
Pokusevski's biggest problem is his size and strength, as his weak body makes it difficult for him to dominate inside battles, often being knocked out of the way or suppressed by his opponents. He desperately needs to gain muscle and weight to improve his fighting ability and reduce the risk of injury. Some successful cases, such as Brother Alphabet and Yao Ming, have gone through such a process. The 23-year-old Pokusevski is currently in the middle of a job, and the Lakers may be an ideal candidate to develop him patiently, especially for the former first-round roe-fast-level potential star.
Conclusion: The future is promising, and there are challenges.
Pokusevski's basketball dream may have been tortuous, but his performances in Europe and the NBA have proven his potential. Injuries have been an obstacle, but with the right training and training, he can be back at the top. Cutting Poku may be an option for the team, but there is also a need to consider his potential value in the future. On the journey of this basketball dream, Pokusevski may only be a temporary trough, and the future highlights are yet to bloom.