Pokusevski explains departure from Thunder, names teammates he's grateful for / News - Basketnews.com

Pokusevski revealed he didn't see himself in the Thunder rotation and decided to leave the club. After arriving in Charlotte, he's been happy with his playing time and his future prospects, while thanking Grant Williams and Vasilije Micic for being influential teammates.

Credit: Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

The 2023-24 NBA season was different for Aleksej Pokusevski. It was the first time he switched teams in his four-year league career.

Aleksej Pokusevski

Team:Charlotte HornetsPosition:SF, PFAge:22Height:214 cmWeight:94 kgBirth place:Belgrade, SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

Pokusevski was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder in February and ultimately signed with the Charlotte Hornets. After being a regular rotation player through the first three years, the Serbian wing saw his role and minutes decline significantly. That's when he decided it was no longer viable to stay with the same organization.

"Some injuries happened that slowed me down and left me a little behind the team that progressed at high speed while I was out, and when the season started and until I moved to Charlotte, I didn't get a real chance to get back on the field and into the rotation," Pokusevski said in an interview with Bojan Brezovac from Mozzart Sport.. "For the first few weeks, when I saw what was happening, I didn't care, but I broke it down very quickly, put my feelings away, and agreed on the termination of [our] cooperation."

"At the time of breaking up with Oklahoma, I was focused on the NBA. I always have all the options in my head and think about what is best, and make decisions when the time comes. Cool heads," the player said.

Not with the Hornets, Pokusevski is seeing increased playing time, averaging 19.2 minutes per game with Charlotte. His averages are also up, rising to 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Talking about the change of scenery that brought him to Charlotte, Pokusevskis singled out two teammates who helped him throughout the process - Grant Williams and Vasilije Micic.

"It's a positive feeling which is very important for me for things to come. I'm happy to end the season playing at a good level compared to what happened at the beginning. I'm grateful for the chance I got from the Hornets. I have to highlight Grant Williams, who came to me with a lot of advice. He is experienced for his young age and a very good guy who is eager to help," Poku singled out his teammate.

Aleksej Pokusevski

MIN:14.48PTS:5.21 (48.77%)REB:3.18As:1.25ST:0.54BL:0.46TO:0.68GM:28ProfileNBA2023/2024

"I have to say that Vaske has been with me this season from the time of the injury before the start of the season until now. He had a great influence on my work and psyche, which helped me improve even when I didn't play for a few months. He helped me to stay ready until the end," the 22-year-old said. "When the chance opened up for me in Charlotte, I used it quite solidly. I'm grateful that I had him by my side every day during the difficult moments."

Micic came to the NBA as the EuroLeague MVP, having established himself as one of the best players in Europe. Despite his accolades, the Serbian point guard had to switch teams from the Thunder to the Hornets as well in order to see increased playing time.

After moving to Charlotte, Micic's averages jumped from 3.3 points per game to 10.8, while his assist averages improved from 2.5 to 6.2.

"I certainly did not directly influence him to come to the NBA and the Thunder. He had the desire to try himself in the NBA and to progress as a player in new challenges. We talked a few times before his arrival, which gave him a better picture of what was waiting for him," Pokusevski remembered.

"I think the future is bright. He showed that he can play and be an important player on the team. Of course, a little luck and trust from the coach and the team are needed," the player concluded.

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