Calling all Thunder fans: campaign to get Terrance Ferguson in All-Star dunk competition
Calling on Thunder Nation to actively promote getting Terrance Ferguson into the All-Star Saturday Night Dunk Competition.
A few weeks ago the NBA Blog Table crew discussed if any rookies should make the All-Star Dunk competition and Terrance Ferguson got a few shout outs. Specifically David Aldridge and Sekou Smith were keen to see the OKC Thunder youngster.
Aldridge referenced the two dunks Ferguson made during the Thunder’s game in LA. The first dunk looked to injure Ferguson. But, shortly after killing the rim, Ferguson got a second break away with the results arguably even more thunderous.
This past weekend as the OKC Thunder made easy work of the Cleveland Cavaliers there was an outstanding Wade throw ahead lob to LeBron James for a slam. As fans we’ve witnessed that Wade to James connection multiple times going back to their Miami Heat days.
But arguably the dunk of the day came courtesy of rookie Terrance Ferguson. It might be the most spectacular Thunder fans have witnessed this season.
Ferguson puts exclamation mark on OKC Thunder win:
OG Anunoby could surprise:
As per the blog table question I can see merit with all the choices mentioned. Being in Toronto, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing OG Anunoby complete some spectacular dunks. The thing is OG is extremely quiet by nature – think Kawhi Leonard quiet. So, I’m not sure if he’d be the type to get up for a dunk competition.
Anunoby does have the benefit of teammate DeMar DeRozan who surely could help him come up with some ideas. But, selfishly I’m leaning toward getting the youngster rest.
OG’s Indiana dunk which defies the odds:
Something you’ll notice about Anunoby the more you get to watch him is the absolute ease with which he does things. Few players make difficult tasks look easy, but that is a quality Anunoby has.
He’s been tasked with guarding the opponent’s star on most nights and seems to have hit a rookie wall. So, the All-Star break offers rest and would be very welcome.
Mitchell – the next one?
It’s hard not to marvel at the exploits of rookie Donovan Mitchell who appears to be on pace for super stardom. What makes Mitchell so enticing isn’t just his prowess on the court,. Like Anunoby the youngster processes new information quickly and is super humble. He’s one of the few rookies who often gets approached by existing super stars post game for conversations. In fact, many have cited Russell Westbrook as someone who Mitchell may mirror in terms of their growth and ceiling.
Smith Jr – would make for an interesting show:
Dennis Smith has murdered a couple rims this season, so I can get on board with that selection.
James Johnson – I cocked that joint back and banged it on him:
Rumor has it the Miami Heat close their practices out with dunk competitions. He’s not a rookie, but I’d be extremely interested in seeing James Johnson in the dunk contest. Going back a few seasons to when he was a Toronto Raptor. The dunk was a jam over Pistons’ Andre Drummond and is sure to remain in Raptors lore. Not so much for the dunk (though it was spectacular), but more for his post game comments about it.
Johnson is also notable for another feat while in Toronto which a couple of Raptors were in attendance to witness. JJ kicked balls off the rim. Yes– you read that correctly. For those unaware, Johnson has a martial arts background as do several members of his family. I’m not sure he’d attempt repeating that feat in a dunk competition, but it sure would be exciting to witness someone kick balls off the rim! It might look something like this.
Aaron Gordon and the possibly the best dunk off ever:
Obviously a sentimental favorite will be for Aaron Gordon. Zach LaVine may have won the Toronto All-Star competition, but most remember Gordon’s mascot assisted dunks from the weekend. Unfortunately his injury the following season didn’t allow his drone dunk to advance him. If healthy, odds are the powers that be would want him in the mix.
And just for your viewing pleasure here is the replay of those thrilling dunks by Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon.
My personal favorite from the LaVine – Gordon dunk off was the mascot, under the legs dunk:
Larry Nance Jr.
For in game dunks is there anyone more exciting that Larry Nance Jr.? Fans have witnessed two dunks in Nance’s arsenal where he seems to continue rising just as it seems he’s reached the apex.
Certainly the Staples Center would be behind their home town player, but could he be creative enough to win the night?
Anyway, Thunder Nation this article is meant to be a call to action. Let’s jump on social media and get Terrance Ferguson in the All-Star Saturday Night Dunk Competition. As it stands we may only have Russell Westbrook participating in the big game. We’ll learn who the coaches have added as the 14 reserves tomorrow night. Hopefully Westbrook and Paul George make the cut, but in the interim let’s get our youngster Ferguson involved in the weekend too.