Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Thunder assign Terrance Ferguson to the OKC Blue

By Tony Heim

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 21: Terrance Ferguson #23 of the OKC Thunder passes the ball against the Utah Jazz during the game on October 21, 2017 at vivint. SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 21: Terrance Ferguson #23 of the OKC Thunder passes the ball against the Utah Jazz during the game on October 21, 2017 at vivint. SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder teammates, including Terrance Ferguson
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the OKC Thunder talks with teammates Raymond Felton #2, Terrance Ferguson #23 and Andre Roberson #21 during a timeout in an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks on December 16, 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This was Anthony’s first game in New York since being traded from the Knicks. Knicks won 111-96. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /

OKC Thunder rookie Terrance Ferguson has received sporadic playing time to start his NBA career. It appears that might not be the case for the foreseeable future.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is the hottest team in the NBA. Their current six-game win streak has vaunted them into the top-tier discussion once again, creating an exciting aura in OKC. With the rotations and lineups finally solidifying themselves, roster moves are ensuing.

That began Wednesday when Oklahoma City sent Terrance Ferguson down to the G-League to play with the OKC Blue.

If you read me and/or follow our Twitter account you already know I love this move. During the six-game win streak Ferguson has appeared in one game, the 28-point thrashing of the Utah Jazz. And he only played in the final six minutes of the game.

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The 19-year old has oodles of talent – he’s already a solid defender and isn’t afraid to scrap with much larger, grown men. Ferguson entered the Draft heralded as a solid shooting prospect, but he’s struggled to adjust to NBA range. The advanced speed of the game combined with his inability to consistently play has hindered him from truly finding an offensive rhythm, hence why I’ve been so adamant that he gets sent down to the Blue.

Now don’t get too excited: whether or not this is a one-game assignment is still in question. The Thunder have done with Ferguson twice already this season, and he’s averaged 17.5 points while shooting the ball well in both contests.

With a young, raw prospect like this it’s all about finding ways to get him consistent minutes. The Thunder are working to compete for a championship – Ferguson simply isn’t ready for that type of role. Sending him to play in the G-League allows him ample opportunity to adjust to NBA range in in-game situations while also boosting his confidence as he isn’t forced to practice against the Paul George’s of the world.

Now let’s just hope this isn’t a one-game experiment.

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