Dieng Shines in Bucks Debut
Ousmane Dieng posted 19 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and zero turnovers in his Milwaukee Bucks debut against his former team Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing to a 17-point win. The 22-year-old, 6'9" forward had struggled for playing time with the Thunder, starting only twice in 136 games. His pace-pushing style and potential chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo could provide the spark Milwaukee has been seeking this season.
- Ousmane Dieng was originally the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, who then traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder for three future first-round picks. - The French forward landed in Milwaukee after a flurry of trade deadline activity that reportedly saw him traded four times in 24 hours before a three-team deal involving the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns was finalized. - Prior to his NBA career, Dieng played professionally for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL. - With the Thunder, Dieng was part of the 2025 NBA Championship team and also won a G League championship and Finals MVP award with their affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, in 2024. - In his 139 games with Oklahoma City, he averaged 4.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. - Dieng is in the final year of his four-year, $21 million rookie contract and is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. - The Bucks acquired Dieng amidst a 22-30 season, seeking a spark and evaluating young talent, particularly with injuries to key players.
