As the Thunder prepare to begin the 2020-21 season, the team features players both young and old.
Among the young is rookie Aleksej Pokusevski, who, despite being just 18 years old, is no stranger to being a professional.
Even with his basketball upbringing though, the Serbian-born big man is preparing to begin his professional career at an interesting time. Most players grow up dreaming of what it would be like to hear 20,000 NBA fans cheering them on, but that’s a luxury he might not have this season.
To make matters even more difficult, this year’s rookie class — like all other players — will be working on a shortened schedule.
Typically, players have about four months to relocate themselves and their families, acclimate to their new homes, familiarize themselves with members of their organization and get themselves into tip-top shape in preparation for the season.
This year’s crop had less than half that time.
Nonetheless, Pokusevski, who spoke with OKCThunder.com, is prepared for what’s ahead.
“We are professionals. We’ve got to be there. Whatever types of things are happening around us, we’ve got to be ready for that. We’ve got to be professional. We’ve got to do it every day on the court as it was normal because that is what is asked from us. All this stuff out of the court, people from the club are helping me. They’re there for me so everything is easy with them.”
Officially listed as a seven-footer, Pokusevski tips the scales at just 195 pounds. Interestingly enough, that’s about the same weight that Giannis Antetokounmpo was when he was drafted. The “Greek Freak” will begin this season weighing in at a solid 242 pounds — quite the difference.
There’s obviously no guarantee that Pokusevski will be able to pack on that kind of mass, but for him, the challenge to get into shape and put on some muscle is one he recognizes.
“Getting back on the court feels great, but you’ve got to get into shape as fast as you can because the guys are here, ready, all the time. Getting better on the court, you got to work tough from the first day because we don’t have a lot of time. The camp is like 20 days or something like that, so we got to pick everything up fast and just learn as fast as we can and be there 100 percent of the day.”
Having spent the past five years with Olympiacos in Greece, the big man has been preparing for a transition to the NBA. He now has the opportunity, especially as the Thunder begin the first season of what will be a lengthy rebuild.
Preseason play begins on Dec. 12 when the Thunder pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs.
Perhaps Pokusevski will get his first taste of NBA action.