OKC Thunder: How does Terrance Ferguson fit with team?
The OKC Thunder picked Terrance Ferguson with the 21st pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Ferguson will have to be able to fit in with Russell Westbrook and the other players on the team.
Terrance Ferguson played a season in Australia for the minor premier Adelaide 36ers. He was known for his maturity and his work ethic. The Oklahoma City Thunder picked Ferguson with their 21st overall pick in the draft this past week.
While his numbers do not pop out at you (4.6 points and 1.2 rebounds per game on 31 percent shooting from three-point range), he was a high quality prospect coming out of college. He was ranked 10th in the ESPN top 100 and played in the Nike Hoops Summit and the McDonald’s All-American game.
While people may say this was a bad pick due to the fact that the OKC Thunder had a need for shooting, there are some reasons Ferguson was a good developmental pick.
Nike Hoops Summit
Ferguson played in the Nike Hoops Summit in 2016, when he also played for the McDonald’s All-American team. The Nike Hoops Summit invites the best of the best high school players in the USA and the world and pits them against each other.
In that game he started over eventual No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz and over No. 4 overall pick Josh Jackson. He outshined everybody in that game. Ferguson scored 21 points on a record-breaking 7-for-11 shooting from the three-point line.
For a player that can’t shoot, he sure did show out that day.
Why is Ferguson a good Pick
Ferguson is 6’7″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, so he will be able to slash and get open for wide open jump shots that are created by Russell Westbrook‘s ability to drive and draw attention.
He will help in transition with Westbrook’s ability to be able to throw half-court lobs. Ferguson will most likely love to be the recipient of those passes. Ferguson’s leaping ability will be an option for some plays on offense for the Thunder to catch the defense sleeping.
By obtaining Ferguson, the Thunder might consider letting Roberson go in free agency and re-sign Taj Gibson instead. With the Thunder’s cap issues, they will love the flexibility that Ferguson gives them in terms of their transactions that they do during the free agency period.
The Thunder did what they were supposed to do in terms of the position they picked at. They decided to go with a player that had potential and would be able to develop while he plays in the next couple of years. He is a boost for the Thunder when it comes to their defensive wings. Doug McDermott and Alex Abrines have not proved to better than what Ferguson has to offer.
Ferguson’s Background
Ferguson has roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma and he is happy about being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder. By being able to return home, that may help his development because he is in more comfortable surroundings.
“Tulsa’s Home,” Ferguson told Harold Kuntz of News On 6. “That’s mainly home, man, spent most of my years there. You know it’s a blessing, blessed with the opportunity to grow. I’m still sort of excited about it. It’s kind of hard to believe right now, so trying to enjoy the moment.”
Ferguson’s great grandmother was one of his closest family members. She died at 87 about a year ago. Ferguson will love to play for his grandmother in his hometown and his family will be a big part of him playing in OKC.
Ferguson’s uncle Dwight Holdman still lives in the town and he can recall Ferguson at a young age when he seen his NBA potential.
“I didn’t realize he had that opportunity until he was a junior in high school,” said Holdman. “As tough as it is to get into the NBA, he’s a better person in life.”
Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams
His mother was the one that put a ball in his hands in the third grade and now he will return to the state that helped shaped his basketball career.