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OKC Thunder: Understanding Terrance Ferguson From An Australian Perspective

By Matthew Hallett

Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Terrance Ferguson (6) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Terrance Ferguson (6) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The OKC Thunder drafted Terrance Ferguson with the 21st pick. Let me explain why his low Australian numbers are not a concern.

Prior to the draft, I believed Terrance Ferguson was the right fit for the OKC Thunder. Obviously I think the same way as Sam Presti. I do not want his job, but it is nice for my opinion to be validated by one of the best in the business.

When discussing this pick with various people, a number of issues were routinely raised. He only played 15 minutes per game. He scored less than five points per game.

I would always quote LeBron James in his first season back with the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Relax.” Terrance Ferguson is going to be a sensational player.

To make sense of his numbers, you must understand the league which is the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). The NBL is a 40 minute game as opposed to a 48 minute game in the NBA. These extra eight minutes can make a huge difference to a rookies playing time.

Secondly, opposition players targeted Ferguson due to him being an import. It is safe to say Australians have a different understanding of how much physicality should be allowed in a game of basketball. I hesitate to say they play dirty, well, because I happen to be an Australian myself.

Ferguson was on the receiving end of what players of the caliber of Russell Westbrook deal with most weeks, and Westbrook is well used to it.

Ferguson never complained, at least not publicly. He played, he learned, he grew. What more can you want from a rookie.

Game Style Differences

The other thing you need to understand about the NBL is the totally different game style it employs. There is a lot more half court offense than the NBA as well as a zone defense.

Must Read: : OKC Thunder Draft Terrance Ferguson

This is where things will get interesting for those who watch Ferguson. A zone defense can lessen the importance of a players athleticism. The guarding of space takes away some of the advantages Ferguson naturally possesses. This is one reason the NBA banned the zone defense, it took away from the excitement.

The zone defense also lessens the amount of open three point looks a player can get. If you watch an NBA game there is a huge amount of switching which causes mis-matches and allows for open looks. A player with Ferguson’s physical gifts will certainly be able to make more of the opportunities the NBA will offer him.

Playing with Russell Westbrook

It goes without saying, the NBL does not have a player with the abilities or physical attributes of Russell Westbrook. Most starting NBL point guards would only be good enough to be third string in the NBA, at best. Unfortunately, this is the nature of the league.

How many times did we see last year the defense collapse on Westbrook, only for him to kick out the ball to an open Andre Roberson. It is safe to say Roberson’s shot is not textbook, so he missed a lot more than he made.

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Fast forward to this year. Westbrook drives in to the key and kicks out to an open Ferguson whose shot is a lot better than Roberson’s. Defenses will have to respect Ferguson more. What does this equal? Floor spacing for Westbrook like he has not had in a year.

Terrance Ferguson may not hit huge numbers next year. His arrival may spell the end of the Doug McDermott experiment due to his greater defense. He is also pretty good insurance for the potential loss of Roberson. The jury will be out until he steps onto an NBA court but I am bullish about this Oklahoma native.

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