Thunderous Intentions
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2017-18 OKC Thunder player preview: Terrance Ferguson

By Jordan Buckamneer

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image was converted to black and white) Terrance Ferguson of the Oklahoma City Thunder poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image was converted to black and white) Terrance Ferguson of the Oklahoma City Thunder poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 8: Terrance Ferguson #23 of the OKC Thunder brings the ball up court against Melbourne United during the first half of a NBA preseason game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 8, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 8: Terrance Ferguson #23 of the OKC Thunder brings the ball up court against Melbourne United during the first half of a NBA preseason game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 8, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

As hype builds for the season tip off against New York, TI previews Terrance Ferguson’s rookie season with the OKC Thunder.

When Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti selected Terrance Ferguson 21st overall in the draft he knew it was a long-term play. After spending one season with the Adeline 36ers in Australia, the 2016 McDonald’s All-American recruit will begin his NBA career just 106 miles away from his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The 19-year old backed out of verbal commitments to Alabama and Arizona to play in Australia last year where he averaged 4.6 points in 15.1 minutes per game.

How Ferguson will make an immediate impact

Standing at 6-feet, 7-inches and 184 pounds, Ferguson is a two-guard who is tall and quick for his position. What he lacks in offense, he makes up for on the defensive end. Like his new teammate Andre Roberson his length and quickness allows him to be effective at shutting down scorers.

For Ferguson to make an immediate impact this upcoming season he will have to excel on the defensive end. Ferguson would ideally be used a second perimeter defender to Roberson, with minutes varying from game to game depending on the offensive firepower of the opposition.

Where Ferguson needs to improve

Defense will be his main role with the Thunder this season, but his offense will continue to be a work in progress. Shooting comes and goes for the streaky Ferguson as he converted 36 percent of his shots from the field in his 30 games with the 36ers.

Besides his streaky shooting, Ferguson is handcuffed on the offensive end by his ball handling. While playing for Adeline, he was utilized in just 13 isolation or pick-and-roll plays due to his lack of control with the basketball.

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However, Ferguson’s biggest strength on the offensive end is his ability to attack the basket. He’s shown a soft touch around the rim and has the athleticism to throw it down when given a lane – 21% of his shots came from around the rim with the 36ers.

Ferguson made the roster to begin the season, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get some run with the Oklahoma Blue in the G-League. A lot will depend on how he plays in the early going. DNP’s tend to add up over time and not playing for extended periods of time hinders the development of rookies – he’ll get minutes whether it’s on the Blue or the Thunder.

Hopefully there will be plenty of games where OKC is able to put opponents away early so Ferguson can see minutes in non-pressure situations. Other than garbage time, Ferguson could serve as an alternate option to Kyle Singler and at least hold his own on the defensive end.

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