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"I'm definitely thinking about returning to the NBA," Pokuševski does not hide. "I don't like to think about unrealistic things, but I think this is something realistic, especially considering my age. It will take time for me to get to that level. I don't think about the NBA every day, but it's in my head. I have to take steps every day not to get to the NBA, but to a level where I can play good basketball with real status, in Lokomotiv or some Euroleague team. Of course I want to be in the NBA, but that can only come about naturally and with good decisions."
Aleksej Pokusevski, after starting at Olympiacos, went to the NBA and played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets. He emphasizes that he doesn’t believe his NBA doors are closed and that returning there is a real possibility. “I went to the NBA early and played a lot. I was both good and bad. There was a bit of everything. After that, I came to the EuroLeague, to Partizan, where I wasn’t the happiest with how everything went and how it ended. I’m certainly considering a return to the NBA. I don’t like to think about unrealistic things, but I believe this is something realistic, especially considering my age. There will be time to reach that level."
Etienne Catalan: Dorian Finney-Smith (@doefinney_10) will wear No. 17 for the #Hornets. Number last worn by Aleksej Pokusevski in 2024. #NBA
Aleksej Pokusevski returned to Europe as one of the greatest pearls of European basketball. He showed what he can do in spurts. Now he wants more. And he wants it in his favorite jersey: " I have another year of contract, but with certain options. I would like to play for Partizan as long as possible. To be a local player who will help the club achieve success, and for me to have a nice role. Whether all of that will happen – I don't know. It doesn't all depend on me, but on the club. Only through work and daily dedication can something be achieved. You can ask anyone at Partizan, the truth is that I work as hard as possible to achieve it. That's why all of this is simple for me – I enter the gym, train and play to the maximum. And then, when I get a chance, I have to take advantage of it. "
Aleksej Pokusevski talked to Eurohoops about playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Charlotte Hornets, and the necessary timing to be successful in the NBA. “I knew my age and where I was going. For sure, there is pressure, especially from myself, to do what I want, which I did. I am very satisfied with my time there. And some things happened, some injuries and other stuff that did not help much, but I am very grateful for my time there,” pointed out Pokusevski.
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“In the United States, it’s about timing. I believe both Micic and Vezenkov understood this as well. Over there, regardless of who you are, I believe the team and timing are the most important. If you get hurt or stay healthy, which players are playing. Because Micic can play in the NBA, but he was on a team at Oklahoma, which won the championship the next year, then at Charlotte with some young players that had more playing time and space, so he could not find any space. On the other hand, I recall Sasha being really good whenever he played, but he could not find his path. However, I am sure both are very happy with their time there,” he said.
Aleksej Pokusevski was even more revealing talking about the overall approach to European players in the league. “That they can play basketball and are very good at it,” he replied to a question about what Americans have collected from European imports, “And some people there do not like that, from the Americans. That is why there is competitiveness between the players, which is very good.”
Pokusevski, 23, went from a promising prospect making plenty of noise to being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder last February and then by the Charlotte Hornets at the end of the 2023-24 season. “Every year, many teams in the NBA do not try to win but want to develop players,” he mentioned, “This happened to me as well. It was going well. However, I got injured on some occasions, at the wrong time, I can say. The team also told me this. I could have stayed but it was not what I wanted at this stage of my career. I did not want to stay in the United States just to be there, without being able to play and learn, and have a significant role.”
Fellow Serbian, Vasilije Micic was among his teammates last season, an experienced player with plenty of success in Europe, including two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships and multiple MVP nods, but a rookie in the NBA. “It was weird at first because he was asking me what to expect. Of course, I learned a lot from him about basketball and life,” mentioned Pokusevski, “He helped me very much with how to work out. He supported me when I was suddenly not playing much, telling me to keep going and everything will work out.”
Partizan Mozzart Bet is set to announce a deal to add Aleksej Pokusevski to the 2024-25 roster. Following up on recent rumors, the Serbian forward reached an agreement with the Belgrade outfit, according to Sportklub. Pokusevski, 22, spent the last four years in North America, splitting action between the NBA and the G League. Logging 168 NBA appearances between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets, his efforts amounted to career averages of 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.6 steals per contest.
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However, the situations appear to be different, according to Mozzart Sport's Bojan Brezovac . According to the report, Pokusevski still sees himself in the NBA and is waiting for an offer from a franchise. So far, he hasn't received the offer he wants, but he is still willing to wait. If no offer from the NBA arrives, there is a possibility for him to return to Europe.
Rumors had Aleksej Pokusevski on the verge of moving to Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade after being waved by the Charlotte Hornets. However, the situations appear to be different, according to Mozzart Sport's Bojan Brezovac. According to the report, Pokusevski still sees himself in the NBA and is waiting for an offer from a franchise. So far, he hasn't received the offer he wants, but he is still willing to wait. If no offer from the NBA arrives, there is a possibility for him to return to Europe.
Christos Tsaltas: Aleksej Pokusevski is close to sign a deal with Partizan Belgrade for the upcoming season. The deal is at the final stage. Poku is expected to return in Serbia, playing under Zeljko Obradovic. There was mutual desire between Poku and Partizan for the deal. #KKPartizan @SportalgrG
Shams Charania: The Charlotte Hornets are waiving former OKC first round pick Aleksej Pokusevski, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
