Ousmane Dieng go start im fifth NBA season on October 22 when Milwaukee Bucks go visit Washington Wizards, im first full campaign for Wisconsin since sey im join di franchise before last season trade deadline. Di 23-year-old forward wey dem born for Villeneuve-sur-Lot and sey comot from Villeneuve BC and INSEP, don sign three-year, $17.5 million contract wit di Bucks for July 2026 afta sey im become free agent. Di deal go keep am for Milwaukee through 2029.
Di new season carry heavy personal meaning. Dieng papa, Ababacar Dieng, wey don dey follow am since 2022 draft, die for August. Dem pick Dieng 11th overall for Oklahoma City Thunder and im spend three and half years there, win NBA title for 2025 before one whirlwind February 2026 trade send am through Charlotte and Chicago inside 24 hours before im land for Milwaukee.
Last season for Wisconsin, Dieng dey play steady afta di deadline move. For 30 games wit di Bucks, including 20 starts, im average 11 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists for 26.8 minutes per match. Im standout performance come for April against Houston Rockets wit 36 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Those numbers earn am di new contract, but now im must establish imself under new head coach Taylor Jenkins, wey replace Doc Rivers for off-season.
Di Bucks don enter rebuilding phase afta dem trade two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo go Miami Heat. Dieng go face competition for wing and power forward from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kyle Kuzma, and e likely go begin di year for reserve role. Bleacher Report writer Zach Lowe don tip am as candidate for di league Most Improved Player award, noting im ball-handling, outside shooting and defensive versatility.
