As the NBA heads into the All-Star break, the buzz is palpable. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis are gearing up for All-Star Weekend, while others are planning a quick escape to recharge. But for Ousmane Dieng, the Milwaukee Bucks' newest forward, the excitement is all about staying put in Oklahoma City.
Dieng's journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind. In just over a week, he found himself linked to four different teams, finally landing with the Bucks.
It all started on Feb. 4, when Dieng was in Texas, ready to play for the Thunder against the Spurs. Instead, he was traded to the Hornets, only to be swiftly rerouted to the Bulls.
Recalling the chaos, Dieng shared, “I was in San Antonio, got traded to the Hornets, stayed in my room for three hours, then the Chicago trade happened.” His journey continued with a flight to Chicago for medical evaluations before a game in Toronto. But as soon as he took off, another trade sent him to Milwaukee.
Despite the hectic trades, Dieng was thrilled with his new team. “It was a little crazy, but I’m excited to be here,” he said.
His excitement translated to the court, where he quickly made an impact. In the Bucks' win over the Orlando Magic, Dieng scored 17 points, hitting a career-high five 3-pointers.
He followed that with a standout performance in Oklahoma City, posting 19 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers praised Dieng’s versatility, noting, “He knows how to play, can really put the ball on the floor, and make plays. Now we finally got a big three on our hands.”
Dieng's potential was evident when the Thunder drafted him with the 11th pick in 2022, trading three first-round picks to secure him. However, he struggled to find his place in Oklahoma City’s rotation.
Now with the Bucks, Dieng is seizing his opportunity. His shooting has been impressive, making eight of 14 3-point attempts in two games, a significant improvement from his time with the Thunder.
“We need him to play with confidence,” Rivers emphasized. “Just shoot the ball, and he did.
That’s good for him.”
Dieng is eager to showcase his versatility with the Bucks. “I feel like I’m pretty versatile and can guard multiple positions,” he said.
“We have a great team here. I feel like we can win a lot of games.
I’m just ready to help.”
To continue his upward trajectory, Dieng will focus on impacting games beyond shooting. Rivers pointed out the need for Dieng to be in the right spots defensively and to grab rebounds, while offensively, driving to the rim and making smart passes will be key.
At just 22, Dieng is the youngest player on the Bucks’ roster, brimming with potential. “I think he’s just scratching the surface,” said Bucks lead assistant coach Darvin Ham.
“His size, athleticism, and smarts are impressive. We found a jewel.”
As the Bucks look to build on their recent success, Dieng represents a promising piece of their future, ready to shine after the All-Star break.