Friday, June 30, 2017

Oklahoma City Thunder Draft Review

Current Roster
PG: Russell Westbrook/Semaj Christon
SG: Victor Oladipo/Alex Abrines/Terrence Ferguson
SF: Doug McDermott/Kyle Singler/Josh Huestis
PF: Jerami Grant/Domantas Sabonis
C: Steven Adams/Enes Kanter

2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
C Taj Gibson
C Nick Collison
G Norris Cole

Restricted
F Andre Roberson

Who They Drafted
1-21 Terrence Ferguson, SG Adelaide
The Thunder used their first round pick on Terrence Ferguson, an American player who skipped college to play overseas for one season. Ferguson is exactly the kind of player the Thunder needed last year and didn't have, as their roster was loaded with players that could either defend or shoot, but not both. Though he is young and will need time to develop, Ferguson could become one of the better 3-and-D players in the NBA because he already has a nice shooting stroke (though it needs a little polishing) and has the athleticism and most importantly the mindset to be a very good defender of perimeter players. He's also a fast, explosive leaper that should be tremendous in transition with Russell Westbrook. His off the dribble game is what is keeping him from being more than a role player but if he can improve his handle and shot creation ability, his upside would be higher.

What They Need Going Forward
Unless they trade, the Thunder don't have much money to make many moves, however they'll have to do whatever they can to get a real backup point guard that can at least keep the ship afloat while Westbrook is on the bench. And no, Norris Cole is not that player. There are also questions about their power forward spot, where they either have unproven players or more combo-y guys. A proven, above-average PF, even if it is just bringing back Taj Gibson, would go a long way to improving their team.

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