The Milwaukee Bucks are already seeing the rewards of giving Ousmane Dieng some meaningful court time, something the Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't quite manage. Dieng is shaping up to be a significant asset for the Bucks, potentially anchoring their future plans.
Bucks Eye Long-Term Potential in Dieng
Milwaukee's roster depth is the envy of many, which often leaves talented players like Dieng struggling for minutes. This season, Dieng has logged over 20 minutes in six games, two of which were with the Bucks, including a standout 36-minute performance in his return to OKC.
While the Bucks haven't always hit the mark in drafting, they've excelled in snagging under-the-radar talent and turning them into key contributors. Dieng joins the ranks of players like Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony, showing he can make an impact both now and in the future.
Dieng's recent performances have been nothing short of impressive. He dropped 17 points against the Orlando Magic and followed it up with 19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks against the Thunder. At just 22, he's proving to be a versatile force heading into the All-Star break.
As Milwaukee aims to cultivate a younger, more athletic core, Dieng is proving he can be integral. Standing at 6-foot-9, he offers the versatility to guard larger players while possessing the agility to handle quicker wings-an essential trait in an Eastern Conference loaded with athletic talent.
While Dieng's three-point shooting needs refinement-currently at 31.6 percent-he's shown glimpses of potential, hitting 62.5 percent and 50 percent in standout games for the Bucks.
We haven't yet witnessed Dieng and Cam Thomas playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there's every reason to believe they could mesh well with the two-time MVP. Dieng's ability to play small-ball five or slot in at the three allows Giannis to focus on his strengths and conserve energy on defense.
With Giannis' future in Milwaukee a topic of offseason speculation, Dieng represents a potential long-term fixture, regardless of the Greek Freak's decision. In the immediate term, Dieng will be crucial as the Bucks push to climb the standings and secure a playoff spot.
Though it's early days, the Bucks' decision to bring Dieng on board is already paying off. He's poised to play a significant role down the stretch and could very well become a cornerstone for Milwaukee in the years to come.