Pokusevski disclosed that he made the decision to quit the Thunder because he didn’t see himself in the rotation. He’s been content with his playing time and his prospects since moving to Charlotte and has expressed gratitude to Vasilije Micic and Grant Williams for being important teammates.
Aleksej Pokusevski had a different NBA season in 2023–2024. In his four years in the league, it was his first time switching teams.
The Oklahoma City Thunder waived Pokusevski in February, and he eventually signed with the Charlotte Hornets. Throughout the first three years, the Serbian wing was a consistent rotation player; nonetheless, he witnessed a major fall in both role and minutes. At that point, he concluded that continuing with the same company was no longer feasible.
In an interview with Bojan Brezovac from Mozzart Sport, Pokusevski stated, “Some injuries happened that slowed me down and left me a little behind the team that progressed at high speed while I was out. 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.” “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.”
“I had my eye on the NBA at the time I broke up with Oklahoma. I carefully consider all of my options, decide what is best, and act accordingly when the time comes. “Calm heads,” the athlete exclaimed.
Pokusevski is getting more playing time with Charlotte, averaging 19.2 minutes per game, as opposed to the Hornets. He now averages 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, which is an increase as well.
Speaking about the change of environment that brought him to Charlotte, Pokusevskis mentioned two teammates—Grant Williams and Vasilije Micic—who supported him all the way.
“It’s a good feeling, which is crucial for the future for me. I’m glad that, in contrast to the start of the season, I’m playing well at the conclusion. I am appreciative of the opportunity the Hornets gave me. I should especially mention Grant Williams, who gave me a lot of advise. Poku singled out his buddy, saying, “He is a very good guy who is eager to help and experienced for his young age.”
This season, free throws
Hornets of Charlotte
Name Hidden Value 39 vacant, 50 filled, 11 79%, 14,5 NBA
Points raised: 14.5
Reliability: 78.6%
30th place in the standings
Maximum record: 26
Record lowest: 4.
most produced FTs: NBA Statistics Schedule for the Miles Bridges team
“I must admit that Vaske has been there for me this season—from the moment I was hurt before the season began until now. He made a significant impact on my work and mental health, which helped me become better even after I took a few months off from playing. The 22-year-old stated, “He helped me stay ready until the very end.” “I made good use of the opportunity that presented itself to me in Charlotte. I’m happy he was there for me every day during the trying times.”
Micic, who had made a name for himself as one of the top players in Europe, entered the NBA as the EuroLeague MVP. Notwithstanding his achievements, the Serbian point guard also needed to move from the Thunder to the Hornets in order to receive more playing time.
Micic’s averages increased from 3.3 points to 10.8 points per game after transferring to Charlotte, and his assist averages went from 2.5 to 6.2.
“I most definitely did not actively persuade him to visit the Thunder and the NBA. He wanted to test himself in the NBA and advance as a player by taking on new difficulties. We had a few conversations before to his arrival, so he had a better idea of what to expect,” Pokusevski recalled.
“It seems like a promising future. He shown his ability to play and contribute significantly to the club. Naturally, a little bit of good fortune as well as the team’s and the coach’s trust are required,” the athlete said.
