OKC Thunder Report Card as team enters stretch

The defensive stalwart:

Terrance Ferguson is ascending into the 3 and D player everyone hoped he could become. Sure, there are nights where he disappears offensively. By the same token, there aren’t too many teams in the association who could handle guarding players like James Harden, Trae Young, Damian Lillard or Kawhi Leonard utilizing man to man coverage.

That list is a very short one – playoff mode Kawhi Leonard, Robert Covington, another OKC Thunder defensive specialist Lu Dort, Giannis Antetokounmpo, OG Anunoby, a healthy Klay Thompson and perhaps Jrue Holiday. Even then, some on the list could defend guards but not the wings so this only bolsters TFerg’s overall defensive resume.

His continued improvement on the defensive end is of such proportions it’s a rarity to even hear Andre Roberson discussed any longer – and that alone speaks to how impressive Ferguson has performed.

Now the downside — unfortunately, Ferguson is embroiled in offcourt personal issues which affected his availability. In his absence, Thunder Nation witnessed the uprising of a young undrafted rookie – Lu Dort. It’s the stuff movie plots are created from (All About Eve – anyone?).

Ultimately, this has far more to do with what Dort offers that TFerg hasn’t and that’s the capacity to provide offense when the matchups are in the shooting guard favor. Although Ferguson appeared to be ready to hit more perimeter shots this season it was his hesitance to drive or take shots which likely had more to do with the demotion to the bench.

Still, the fact Billy Donovan has two top-level guards at his disposal is positive. Here’s hoping Ferguson can resolve his off court issues, spend additional time on the practice court working on his offense and then deliver in the moment.

Those who love defense may feel the grade is too low — but the fact we’re not witnessing Ferguson raising his offensive output coming off the bench factored in the grade.