Newly signed first-round pick Terrance Ferguson should benefit from the Thunder’s philosophy of giving rookies playing time in the G League, writes Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman. On Saturday, the 19-year-old Australian became the final first-rounder to sign a contract, with the process being delayed while he waited for FIBA clearance. Ferguson brings a reputation as an effective shooter and defender, but played limited minutes in Australia last season and needs to bulk up his 185-pound frame.
The Thunder have used the G League more than any other franchise in their nine years since coming to Oklahoma City, sending players there 120 times. ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla, an authority on international basketball, sees Ferguson as an ideal candidate. “That’s exactly where I think Terrance is gonna benefit,” he said. “He’ll have the benefit of practicing a lot with the NBA team, but when he needs minutes and experience, he’ll get it in the G League.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Nearly a month into free agency, former Thunder shooting guard Anthony Morrow is still trying to find a team, notes Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman. Morrow, who will turn 32 in September, was shipped to Chicago at the February trade deadline after spending two and a half years in Oklahoma City. He was expected to get more playing time with the Bulls, but appeared in just nine games and averaged 9.7 minutes after the deal. OKC already has 16 players on its roster, so a return to the Thunder seems unlikely.
- The Nuggets‘ trade of Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks in 2011 set the standard for what teams expect in return for a star like Kyrie Irving, writes Nick Kosmider of The Denver Post. He believes Denver is among the reported 20 teams that have reached out to the Cavaliers since the news broke that Irving wanted to be dealt. However, Kosmider suggests the Nuggets would have to part with Gary Harris, Jamal Murray and several other pieces to make a deal work, which he states is too high a price for Irving.
- Signing an extension with the Jazz was an easy decision for Joe Ingles, relays Kyle Goon of The Salt Lake Tribune. After receiving $52MM for the next four years, the third-year small forward said he is happy to continue his career in Utah. “I wanted to be in Utah no matter what,” he said. “It’s the place that got me to where I am. Whether we have all the All-Stars in the world or no All-Stars. Whether we were going to be a 10-win team or an 80-win team. I feel like Utah is the place for me to be and really help the team.”
I’ve toyed around with Nuggets trades, and I think you need a 3rd team to take Faried in an Irving deal. But it’s likely Irving + Shumpert in any deal. Would rather they dump JR though.
Suns make the most sense. If they didn’t include Jackson I wouldn’t settle for anything less that Bledsoe, Warren, Chriss, and Ulis. If they wanted to dump Chandler, I would say Irving + Thompson. Otherwise Irving + Shumpert.
Suns Are in the better position
Irving is not so much better than Bledsoe and Chandler and the Miami pick are more than enough !!!!
I honestly think the Spurs could offer aldrige, green, Murray and a draft and stash for shumpert and Irving. Seems like a ok package. Depends on what other teams are offering. Sun’s could offer a lot but I feel they are better off with growing what they have.
You over value the Suns like I overvalued Okafor as a Sixers homer. Bledsoe would be traded by now if he had legit value. Chandler too.
Bledsoe isn’t close to the player Irving is (he’s more athlete than PG and a low IQ player), and, if the Suns think he is close, then they shouldn’t make a trade? Chandler has negative value and would only be part of the trade at the Suns’ request. No reason for Suns (or any other team) to reach right now, but likewise Cavs don’t need to reach either. It’s a wash until training camp and if it doesn’t go off then, they can easily wait to the trade deadline really (Irving won’t lose value, but these supposed “untouchable” young players, like Jackson, could easily). Draft picks become more certain assets as well.
August 3 and we’ll know a lot more. Bledsoe, Jackson and a pick. IF Chandler is thrown in, I’d expect someone like Shump to be thrown is as well although I don’t know what those two contracts are.