Thunder U: Continued Development

Terrance Ferguson and Jerami Grant both developed into solid role players and Thunder X factors in 2018-19

The 2018-2019 NBA Season is now over and the playoffs are about to begin. The Oklahoma City Thunder may not have finished where they wanted to, but after a roller coaster of a season, they have a favorable match-up with the 3 seeded Portland Trailblazers.

Entering the season, the Thunder had plenty of question marks: Who would start at the Power Forward position with Carmelo traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Denis Shröder? Who would start at Shooting Guard while Andre Roberson recovered from his injury? How long would Russell Westbrook be out recovering from his off-season injury? Who would step-up and develop into a serviceable role player out of all of the Thunder's young players?

Ultimately, starting the season, Patrick Paterson got the nod at the starting Power Forward position, only to come out of the gate slow and never really find his footing. Jerami Grant was inserted into the starting lineup in game number 4 and never looked back. Grant had his best season as a pro in his second full season in Oklahoma City. Grant averaged, in just his fourth season, 13.6 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 Blocks and 39% 3 point shooting, on nearly 4 three's per game. He was a positive impact while on the floor, posting a +3.8 net rating. Jerami's points per game, rebounds per game, and 3 point shooting were all career highs for the 25 year old out of Syracuse. The versatility that Grant has shown during his 2+ years in OKC has been mighty impressive. Used primarily as a Small Forward in his time in Philadelphia, Grant started his Thunder career as a backup Center, moved to backup power forward/center last year, and blossomed into the starting Power Forward this year. He is able to use his quickness to get around bigger Power Forwards and Centers, and is able to stretch the floor with his 3 point shooting when defenders do not close out hard for fear of his drive. He has also really developed into a terrific perimeter defender and weak side shot blocker. The Thunder like to switch on the picks and Grant is the perfect player for this type of scheme.

In this video, Grant is able to deftly switch onto Harden, and move his feet with him, and important to guarding Harden, kept his hands away. Grant time and time again, forced hard difficult perimeter shots and contested layups. These will be valuable skills against the likes of the Portland Trailblazers as well, as the continued switching will lead to 1-on-1 match-ups against Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

Terrance Ferguson answered the bell regarding starting in place of Andre Roberson and truly blossomed. Although Ferguson did struggle to start the season, shooting just 7% on 3's through the first 7 games, 1 for 14. OOMPH! After a rough start to the year, Russell Westbrook, took the time out of his life (mind you, he is married, and has 3 kids) and instead of going out on the town after a game, went to the gym to shoot with Ferguson until midnight. Terrance has continually credited Westbrook for helping to turn his shooting around by that one small act of leadership. Ferguson ended the year averaging 6.9 points per game with 36% 3 point shooting on 4 shots per game. In his 26.1 minutes per game, Ferguson was a +2.9.

Defensively, although Andre Roberson never returned from injury, you could feel his presence. You could see Andre talking to the Thunder's young wings on the sidelines, during time outs and at practice. He was always giving encouragement and advice. This type of leadership from one of the top 5 wing defenders in the NBA did wonders for Ferguson. Although his defensive statistics do not immediately jump off the page, averaging just .5 steals and .2 blocks per game, he was primarily tasked with guarding the opposing teams top wing, weather that was Harden, Beal, Thompson, Hield, or McCollum, Ferguson held his own, moved his feet well, and contested shots. The confidence was always there, he never shied away from the opposing stars.

Not only from a win loss perceptive was the Thunder season a roller coaster, but from the players playing time as well. Andre Roberson never recovered from his injury and this opened up the starting Shooting Guard spot for Terrance Ferguson. Terrance's absence with the second unit also left open a spot for a SG on the bench. Throughout the season, the Thunder tried out a number of options at the backup two guard spot.

Alex Abrines started the season as the primary back up 2, he ended up only playing in 31 contests and averaged 19 minutes per game. He had 5 points per game on 32% 3 point shooting and 91% free throw shooting. His season was full of ups and downs, but, ultimately, in February he mysteriously stepped away from the team and mutually terminated his contract.

Deonte Burton got some time at the backup 2 guard, he appeared in 32 games, only averaging 7.5 minutes and 2.6 points per game. Though, his athleticism and motor left fans drooling for more. When he was not playing with the Thunder he was playing across the street with the Oklahoma City Blue. There he averaged 30 minutes per game and had 17 points per game to go along with 5 rebounds and 3.4 assists. The Thunder converted his contract from a 2-way contract to a fully guaranteed contract for 4 years. Thunder nation is excited to see what he can do with a full off-season with the team.

Hamidou Diallo also got time as the backup shooting guard. He immediately stood out for his nose for the ball and defensive tenacity. Diallo, barely 20 years old, appeared in 51 games, averaged 10.3 minutes, 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Diallo's athleticism and bounce was quicly recognized throughout the league, earning him an invitation to the All Star weekend Slam Dunk Contest, where, he walked away with the trophy! With the Blue, Diallo appeared in just 6 games, but averaged 30 minutes, 19.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and .8 steals per game, again showing great instincts for the where the ball will be.

Abdel Nader, however, is the one who has become the player called off the bench the most by Billy Donovan down the stretch. Nader, now 25 years old, has appeared in 61 games, averaging 11.4 minutes and 4.6 points off of 32% 3 point shooting. He is not the best defender, but he is confident with the basketball, and that confidence causes defenders to have to close out hard on his 3 point shot. Nader is not afraid of putting the ball on the deck and driving to the basket.

It seems that, as the season has wound down, Billy Donovan may not trust his young wings. In the final two weeks of the season, Donovan has leaned more on Raymond Felton as his backup shooting guard, at times even running a 3 guard lineup with he, Shröder, and Westbrook all on the floor at the same time. Felton has appeared in 33 games this season, 16 since the All Star break, out of 25 games. In the 16 games post ASB, Thick Daddy Ray is averaging 10.6 minutes, proving 3 points per game, 1.2 assists per game and has been a +.9 while on the court.

With the playoffs now around the corner, it will be interesting to see how Donovan manages his rotations. PG and Westbrook's minutes will probably go up from about 36 to closer to 39-40 each, I would imagine that Ferguson's will also go up from 26 to closer to 30 and Grant's as well, from 32 to 34. With less minutes to go around it will be interesting to see what Donovan does. Does he insert Grant as a 3 and play more Markief Morris? Does he slide PG to the 4 and go super small with more Westbrook, Shröder, Felton combinations.

The real season is here, and I can't wait to see how the Thunder continue to develop! Buckle up, it's going to be a fun ride.

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