OKC Thunder: Tyrell Terry showcases high IQ in media session

Tyrell Terry was among the first group who held media interviews as OKC Thunder fans got further insight into this very attractive draft prospect

As part of the NBA Draft Combine, prospects are meeting with the media to answer questions via zoom video sessions. OKC Thunder and NBA fans got their first look at Tyrell Terry who was among the first group to participate offering insight into his character and abilities. The Stanford guard is experiencing a rise up the ladder following team interviews and is now expected to be taken at the end of the lottery or shortly after.

Much like Tyler Herro became a bit of an obsession for many of us at Thunderous Intentions last draft season Terry is another prospect who we set our sights on early. Similar to Herro, Terry also began the year ranked much further down the draft board. The difference here is it’s unlikely Terry will be able to step into a role immediately given his frame.

In 31 games this season he averaged 14.6 points,  4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals while shooting 40.8 percent from deep on 4.9 attempts.

Tyrell Terry media session highlights:

It’s not surprising Terry is shooting up the ladder given his shooting ability and high IQ. His interview offers tidbits on why he’d be a great addition to the OKC Thunder and can be viewed in its entirety on NBA.com

To say Tyrell Terry is intelligent is anything but hyperbole. The fact Terry spent his college year at Stanford is the initial clue and as expected the first few words out of his mouth have you hooked.

With players needing to be able to read games quickly and rookies taking time to learn it’s clear Terry will be someone who ascends quickly in the transition and it was noted he has a tremendous work ethic. The problem is his body (frame) which is slight and subsequently is why he’s spent much of the pre-draft process focusing on adding weight and muscle.

That said his interview offered insights into his intelligence and while he’s confident he’s not cocky. Of the initial draft prospect interviews, this one was the one that resonated as the most impressive.

OKC Thunder among teams he’s interviewed with

The Stanford guard confirmed he’s interviewed with the OKC Thunder adding the interview went really well. The other teams he confirmed he’s spoken with are the Suns, Raptors, 76ers, Nets, Knicks,  Warriors, Bulls, and Timberwolves.

At the time he interviewed with Chicago it was prior to the front office changes so Billy Donovan was not yet the coach. He also noted speaking with the Timberwolves frequently which is understandable given his hometown is Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Strengths and area of focus for growth

Terry notes his natural skillset features his shooting, playmaking, hard work, and a level of selflessness. The guard felt his IQ separated him from his peers and that he’d be a great teammate regardless of the role he’s asked to fulfill.

He also says he’s more athletic than he’s been given credit for so he’s worked very hard to add muscle and weight to show teams they shouldn’t be sleeping on him. His day starts with breakfast and meditation followed by weights and on court workouts. He’s also working with a chef presumably to help in his effort to gain weight/muscle.

Perhaps the wildest thing Terry said in his interview was “Growing up, shooting was never my thing. I was a pass-first guy. I found out at Stanford I could shoot like that, it kind of came out of nowhere.” per Rylan Stiles.

That could be taken two different ways — either this past season was an outlier or Terry will continue to improve and join the NBA elite of knockdown snipers.

Film study, 2020 class and draft night

Tyrell like many of the guards in this class cited Chris Paul as someone he looks up to and is among the core group he studies closely. Others he noted were Stephen Curry and Trae Young. This was the trio he spends the most time watching to figure out spacing and pace which is notably different in the pros than in college.

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Asked about this class specifically on how it’s heavy in point guards he calls himself a different type of point guard,  saying there aren’t a lot of prototypes like himself. This assessment is based on his shooting but the Stanford alum notes he can play either guard position and his IQ will end up factoring long term. Terry also doesn’t feel the ‘weak class’ tag is fair saying there is plenty of talented prospects and a few potential superstars in the mix.

Much like last season when I coveted Tyler Herro this is a kid I’m drooling over so OKC Thunder fans can imagine I’m not thrilled so many teams are contacting him and he keeps climbing up the draft boards.

Sam Presti might want to try to swap picks or give up some assets to land this kid especially in a rebuilding phase where he’ll have time to develop and the Thunder (like always) are in need of players who can shoot from the perimeter and in the narrator’s humble opinion he might be the best shooter in the class.

T.I. will dive in deeper with our prospect profile preview coming before the NBA Draft.