Thunder Rookie Ousmane Dieng Takes Positive Step Forward In Injury Rehab

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng appears to be progressing in his rehab from a wrist fracture after the rookie was assigned to the OKC Blue in the G League on Wednesday.

Dieng suffered a small, non-displaced fracture in his right wrist on assignment with the Blue last month. The team announced on Dec. 16 that Dieng would miss at least six weeks after a period of rehabilitation and recovery.

The six-week timeline provided by the Thunder would be Jan. 27.

Practice time in the NBA is often limited at this point of the season as teams prioritize rest for players. Joining the Blue will likely enable Dieng the opportunity to practice with them and participate in various on-court workouts.

The Thunder planned to have Dieng spend time with the Blue throughout the season to develop. He is averaging 15.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 blocks on 45.3% shooting in 11 games. He has registered four double-doubles and has finished in double figures nine times.

The injury came as Dieng was in a groove on the court with the Blue. He had neared a double-double in four straight games and was coming off a 21-point, 16-rebound effort on Dec. 13 versus the Salt Lake City Stars. His 16 rebounds were a season high.

The Thunder (22-23) have won four straight games and are ninth in the Western Conference. The addition of Dieng will give the team a boost in the frontcourt as it looks to compete for a spot in the playoffs.