NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Chicago Bulls
By Luke Norris
4. Terrance Ferguson, SG, Adelaide (Australia)
Terrance Ferguson is a wild card in this draft. Knowing he wanted and would play in the NBA at some point, the 19-year-old chose not to go the one-and-done route and decided to play in Australia instead of college after high school. Signing with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s NBL, Ferguson didn’t have the most spectacular season — he averaged just 4.6 points — but his raw ability got people talking at the combine last month.
Ferguson’s biggest strength is his spot-up shooting. The numbers aren’t spectacular by any means — he shot 45 percent on two-point attempts and 39 percent from the 3-point line — but they’re still pretty solid and scouts are believing that he’s only going to get better. He has a quick release and elevates very well on his shot. A jumper can always be improved and at his young age, he can be molded into a decent NBA player. Perhaps decent isn’t what Bulls fans are hoping for with a mid-first-round selection but the upside is there.
The nice thing about Ferguson is that when his shot isn’t falling, he doesn’t force the issue. Shooters are supposed to keep shooting but he’s got no problem passing the ball, which is rare for someone his age looking to make a name for himself. He does get himself into turnover trouble by trying to do too much sometimes but being unselfish isn’t a bad thing.
His ball-handling could use some work but he does have the ability to blow by defenders as long as he’s moving towards the basket and he’s shown great explosiveness and competitiveness, which is a nice combination, and he’s got no issue getting into the paint and banging with the big boys when necessary. Yes, Terrance Ferguson would be a bit of a project but it might be one that ends up being worth it.