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Four First Round Draft prospects the Thunder should avoid

By Austin Sternlicht

Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Terrance Ferguson (6) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Terrance Ferguson

Another five-star prospect in the class of 2016, Ferguson decommitted from the University of Arizona and decided to play overseas in Australia with the Adelaide 36ers. There’s a lot to like about Ferguson. First off, he’s from Tulsa so there are local connections to the Oklahoma community. At 6’7 with nearly a 6’10 wingspan, he has the ideal frame to play on the wing. He hit three pointers at a 38 percent clip, something the Thunder could badly use.

The big issue with Ferguson is his weight. At just 184 pounds, he isn’t physically ready to play in the NBA. He’ll get bullied on defense and won’t be able battle through screens. Players will be able to go right through him for easy shots. On offense, he lacks a strong feel for the game. He doesn’t have strong handles and settles for too many tough shots.

At the NBA level, Ferguson is more of a shooting guard. With Victor Oladipo and Alex Abrines, the Thunder don’t need to draft a player like Ferguson. He is simply not ready to contribute at the NBA level next season, let alone on a team with two above average players at his position.

A few years ago, this pick would have made sense for the Thunder. They could have developed him in the D-League, while still having enough talent to compete for a championship. Now, the Thunder needs an NBA ready prospect out of this draft. While Ferguson is appealing as a perimeter player, there are many more prospects that could contribute next year. Prospects such as Derrick White, Justin Jackson, and Semi Ojeleye would be much better options.

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