Player Grades
OKC Starting Rotation:
Once again the stat-line for Daniel Hamilton was impressive. However, for the point guard that led the G-league in triple-doubles this hasn’t been a shocking result. Hamilton logged 7-points, an impressive 11-rebounds (especially for a point guard), and 8-assists. The not so pretty note in the stat-line is the ugly turnover column. Hamilton gave up the ball five times tonight.
Terrance Ferguson’s summer has been nothing short of a disaster. What should-be an easy confidence boost, like the Lakers have done with Josh Hart or the Mavericks with Dennis Smith, has turned into a self-esteem tear down. Ferguson has not been able to look even like a solid basketball player during this NBA Summer League.
Many thought he would just dominate the weaker competition as he gets ready to fill in rotational minutes for the varsity Thunder squad this winter. Instead, Ferguson has looked down right anemic. Tonight, the 20-year-old scored 9-points, and shot the ball with just a 16-percent success rate. That does not even mention his three turnovers, no assists and a pair of fouls. From 3-point land Ferguson went 0-for-2.
Maybe it is time to temper expectations for Terrance Ferguson.
P.J. Dozier has been impressive this Summer League, and in a dreadful team game tonight, Dozier still stood out. No his 8-points will not turn heads, but the rest of his stat-sheet will. On defense, Dozier made a huge impact stealing the ball 3-times, and getting up for a block.
He set up his teammates well, turning in 4-assists. While that assist number may not seem high on paper, you have to know the context. Dozier is splitting ball handling duties with Terrance Ferguson, and Daniel Hamilton.
Like I have droned on about in every other game recap, Thomas stole the show. The Oklahoma City native, with his magnificent fro with every hair in place standing above his white headband, was great.
He was the second leading scorer with 13-points, while also hauling in 7-rebounds. On defense, Thomas earned a steal and continued his summer league block party.
It will be hard for Thunder GM Sam Presti not to hand Thomas at least the second two-way contract. Once Thomas steps on the floor of Chesapeake energy arena, he will be a fan favorite.
Thomas has been the most constant player on the Summer Thunder roster.
The Oklahoma State alumni got the start ahead of Dakari Johnson tonight. He performed about like Poke fans would expect. Cobbins poured in ten points, on 100-percent scoring from the field. Other than that, his stat-line featured goose eggs, aside from a turnover. Cobbins is a Summer League throw away, a local player with no real NBA shot–at least in Oklahoma City.