Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

3 players OKC Thunder should target with $10.9 million tax exemption from Melo trade

By Lawrence George

Spurs GM, R.C. Buford talks to OKC Thunder GM, Sam Presti (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
Spurs GM, R.C. Buford talks to OKC Thunder GM, Sam Presti (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 27, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. .(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 27, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. .(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Terrance Ross

Plagued by injuries last season, Terrence Ross is a solid shooting guard – small forward hybrid. At 6’7, 206 pounds with an average wingspan (6’7), Ross is an excellent shooter who lets it fly without thought. Averaging 8.7 points, 3 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 42 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three in five seasons, the former Slam Dunk Champion is a microwave scorer from deep and possesses athletic abilities that are sporadically seen.

In case you haven’t seen it, Ross put Denver Nuggets Kenneth Faried on a poster four season’s back.

Granted this took place in 2014, Ross is still able to get up and throw it down. However as his career has matured, he has a tendency to settle for outside jumpers.

Up until last season, Ross held the Toronto Raptors highest points total in a game. The five-year veteran posted 51 points (16-29 from the field, 10-17 3-PT, 9-10 Free Throws) and 9 rebounds in the Raptors 126-119 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Raptors star DeMar DeRozan was hurt early in the game. Ross’ ability to carry an offense when things are bleak is a huge positive. As fans saw last season, Westbrook and PG13 go cold for large stretches. Having a player of Ross’ calibre helps tremendously.

Flexibility within both line-ups

Ross doesn’t need the ball to be effective and is superb playing off the ball via movement and in spot-up opportunities. His surprising defensive capabilities (albeit when engaged) and ability to shoot the long ball suits Oklahoma City’s desire to play fast. Additionally, his athletic ability will appear more often given the Thunder are opting to play on the break. Ross can still dunk the ball and when he is aggressive, is a superb piece to a championship chasing team.

The Thunder have a number of defensive minded, athletic players that lack consistency shooting the ball. Between Ross’ steady defense and his ability to score in bunches gives the bench an additional option. Newly acquired Dennis Schroder. will be at the helm of the second unit but his game is complimentary to what Ross brings. The German is an excellent pick and roll handler and often drives and kicks to the open man. Ross will receive plenty of opportunities to shoot in volume.

Playing alongside Russell Westbrook holds the same possibilities given similarities between his and Schroder’s game. With interchangeable line-ups, his addition would make OKC a true contender.

What makes this play difficult is what Orlando will want. Ross is just 26 years old and on an expiring deal. If the Thunder can somehow maneuver a deal to acquire him, it would b a huge move moving forward.

Home/Thunder News