Ousmane Dieng didn’t just return to Oklahoma City-he arrived.
Less than a week after being waived by the Thunder, the 6-foot-10 forward suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks and delivered a statement performance against the very team that drafted him. In only his third game with his new squad, Dieng dropped 19 points, pulled down 11 boards, dished out six assists, and swatted four shots. In short, he did a little bit of everything-and a lot more than anyone expected.
This wasn’t just a revenge game. It was a breakout.
From Afterthought in OKC to Centerpiece in Milwaukee
Dieng’s time in Oklahoma City was a slow burn that never quite caught fire. Taken 11th overall in the 2022 draft, the Thunder saw him as a long-term project: a stretch forward with wing skills and raw potential.
But over four seasons, Dieng never carved out a consistent role. His rookie year was his most active, logging 14.6 minutes per game across 39 appearances.
After that, his opportunities dwindled. By this year’s trade deadline, OKC decided to move on, cutting ties to clear roster space.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, saw something worth a second look. They brought him in on what looked like a low-risk flyer-an upside play with little pressure.
But in just two games, Dieng has flipped that narrative. What was supposed to be a developmental project is suddenly looking like a key piece in the Bucks’ rotation.
Making the Most of the Moment
Thursday night against the Thunder, Dieng didn’t come out gunning like he did in his 17-point showing against Orlando. But he made an immediate impact.
Inserted into the starting lineup after Myles Turner was scratched late, Dieng wasted no time making his presence felt. In his first stint on the floor, he grabbed six rebounds and handed out three assists.
Then he turned up the scoring. Sixteen of his 19 points came in the second and third quarters as Milwaukee built a commanding lead.
He stayed efficient, too-knocking down 3-of-6 from deep after going 5-for-8 from beyond the arc in his previous outing.
But it wasn’t just the scoring. Dieng was everywhere.
He protected the rim, ran the floor, and made plays for others. Those four blocks?
The six assists? That’s not just a hot hand-that’s a player showing dimensions we never saw in Oklahoma City, where he never averaged more than 0.3 blocks or 1.2 assists per game.
A New Role, A New Player?
It’s early, and no one’s expecting Dieng to post near triple-doubles every night. But it’s fair to ask: was this potential always there, just waiting for the right opportunity?
In Milwaukee, he’s already set career scoring highs in back-to-back games. Thursday marked just the third start of his career-and his first this season.
He played 36 minutes, a massive jump from the 11.1 minutes per game he averaged with the Thunder this year. That kind of runway changes everything.
Confidence, rhythm, and trust-they all flow from minutes. And right now, Milwaukee is giving him the green light.
What Comes Next?
Whether Dieng continues to start or shifts into a high-leverage bench role, one thing’s clear: he’s earned a real look. The Bucks may have stumbled onto something big-a 6'10" forward who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and create offense in spurts.
That’s not just a depth piece. That’s a potential difference-maker.
Injuries may have opened the door, but Dieng’s performance is what’s keeping it wide open. And with Milwaukee pushing for playoff positioning, his emergence couldn’t have come at a better time.
Ousmane Dieng didn’t just get a second chance-he’s making it count.