OKC Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski (17), guard Theo Maledon (11) during the second half: Michael Wyke/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
In a season where development and growth have taken precedence for the OKC Thunder, on many nights the rookies have provided the highlights.
From the start, the rookie class of 2020 didn’t experience the usual path to the pros. Nor did they get to experience typical events like the NBA Combine, pre-draft workouts, and Vegas Summer League. The pandemic removed those options and continues to impact their inaugural experience.
On the other hand, with the Thunder in their ‘resiliency’ era, it has afforded Theo Maledon and Aleksej Pokusevski with opportunity.