The Oklahoma City Thunder are in need of a spark, so it is time to turn to rookie Terrance Ferguson to provide one.
The Oklahoma City Thunder looked like they were ready to turn a corner after their game against the Golden State Warriors last week. The Thunder put forth a spirited effort, blowing out the Warriors, 108-91. It was a big win after the closest game they had against the Dubs was a 16-point loss last year.
However, the Thunder weren’t able to make anything of the victory. They came up short against the Detroit Pistons in their next game as their late-game struggles popped up again. Oklahoma City is now 0-9 in games decided by eight points or less. Things only got worse on the second night of their back-to-back.
After losing to the Pistons, the Thunder played the following night against the Dallas Mavericks. This was an embarrassing loss as the Mavericks blew them out, 97-81. It dropped the Thunder to 2-8 on the road and 0-8 on the road against Western Conference teams.
Those kinds of losses can cost people their jobs. A team with as much talent as the Thunder should not be losing to a team such as the Mavericks, let alone getting blown out. While the loss was embarrassing, there was one positive to take from the game: Terrance Ferguson.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Ferguson was the Thunder’s first round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, being selected 21st overall. Ferguson took an interesting path to the NBA, as he didn’t play collegiately last season. Instead, he played overseas for Adelaide in Australia. The results were mixed at best.
Ferguson, one of the best 3-and-D prospects in this year’s class, struggled most of the time with Adelaide. In 30 games, 17 of which were starts, Ferguson received only 15.2 minutes per game. His averages didn’t jump off the stat sheet, as he totaled 4.6 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. He wasn’t very efficient either, shooting 38.1 percent from the field and 31.3 percent on his 3-pointers.
Despite the lackluster numbers, Ferguson is brimming with talent and potential. He has range on his jump shot, which is aided by being 6’7″. That length and 6’9″ wingspan are the makings of a potential lockdown defender as well.
With the acquisitions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, whatever role the Thunder planned on Ferguson having had to be adjusted. With so many players ahead of him on the totem pole, Ferguson has yet to find much playing time. However, that changed against the Mavericks and should be the norm going forward.
In the game against the Mavericks, Ferguson saw 14 minutes in the first half. According to Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman, Ferguson played 14 minutes in the first half combined in his 11 appearances before Saturday.
It was certainly a surprise to see Ferguson on the court that early in the game, but he made the most of his chance. While the Thunder lost the game, he was one positive to take away from it. Dawson notes how confident Ferguson looked, which is key for a young player looking to find his way in the league.
Ferguson ended up setting a few career highs in the game against the Mavericks. The 21 minutes he played were a career-high. The seven points scored were also a career high, while he also added his first career assist in the game.
You need to shake things up when you are struggling like the Thunder are, and Ferguson can be a part of that shake-up. He cannot perform worse than Alex Abrines, who had his minutes cut in favor of Ferguson against the Mavs.
Abrines didn’t even play two minutes against Dallas and didn’t appear in the first half. He is mired in a shooting slump as well, as he has made only four of his last 17 3-point attempts. Ferguson, who was noted for his range and 3-point shooting ability, can cement his spot in the rotation with a few good games.
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Ferguson is still a raw prospect, but Billy Donovan has to shake things up. A record of 8-11 is unacceptable for a team with this much talent. Giving Ferguson some more minutes going forward cannot hurt the Thunder. Maybe they can find some lighting in a bottle and Ferguson provides a spark for the team to help get back on track.