With the Eastern Conference playoff race as tight as it is in late March, there’s no telling where the Bulls will pick in the upcoming 2017 NBA draft. Depending on how they perform in their final 10 games (and how the lottery balls fall), Gar Forman and John Paxson could end up picking anywhere from 10th to 20th. As the standings sit now and assuming no lottery upsets, they’d pick 14th.
In recent mock drafts, all of which have Chicago picking in the early-mid teens, we’ve seen a variety of prognostications. Some see the Bulls taking Texas center Jarrett Allen to be a building block in the frontcourt once Robin Lopez moves on. Others believe Gar (always obsessing over Iowa State prospects) is eyeing Fred Hoiberg’s former pupil, point guard Monte Morris. UNC small forward Justin Jackson and Creighton center Justin Patton are also possibilities that would fill current needs on the roster.
But the latest educated guess, courtesy of The Vertical’s Mock Draft 2.0, has the Bulls going in a completely different direction: Terrance Ferguson, shooting guard for the Adelaide 36ers of the National Basketball League in Australia.
None & Done
In accordance with the current NBA draft rules, a player cannot enter the draft without first playing at least one year either in college or overseas. Ferguson, 18, had an odd route to playing his one pre-NBA year down under.
In 2015, Lousville head coach Rick Pitino aggressively recruited Ferguson. He also received attention from several teams spanning the ACC, SEC, Big 12 and Pac 12. Ferguson initially committed to Alabama, but never signed a letter of intent and eventually reneged on that verbal commitment. In 2016 he did the same thing with Arizona. That commitment lasted just two months before Ferguson ultimately decided to skip college to play overseas for the 2016-17 season. On July 1, 2016, he signed with the 36ers.
Ferguson drew big crowds at the high school level while playing for Advanced Prep International in Dallas, Texas. As a senior, Terrance ranked 10th on ESPN’s Top 100 list and earned a spot in the McDonald’s All-American Game that year. He also won MVP honors in the USA Junior National Select Team’s blowout victory over the World Select Team at the Nike Hoop Summit. Between appearances on USA’s U16, U17 and U19 teams, Ferguson holds a 19-0 record.
3&D Wings In High Demand
As for his fit with the Bulls, Ferguson has plenty of upside. He’s an excellent spot-up shooter, especially in transition. The release of his shot is quick and consistent, even when defenders get contesting hands in his face. In addition, his basketball IQ is high. He showed willingness in his season with Adelaide to keep the ball moving and make the extra pass. The 6’7 guard could play some small forward at the NBA level as he grows into his frame, and already shows signs of being a tough defender against larger players. He moves his feet well, and has impressive lateral quickness.
Assuming Hoiberg sticks around for at least another year, a tall and long shooting guard/small forward is exactly what his offense needs. If the Bulls are ever going to get Fred’s “pace and space” system running on all cylinders, they’ll need the right pieces. Ferguson can shoot confidently from anywhere on the perimeter, but has a particular fondness for the corners. He’s also very fast and athletic and could get out and run in a fast-paced offense without any problems.
When you realize Rajon Rondo has been Chicago’s best range shooter recently, that tells you everything you need to know about this roster’s needs. Ferguson can provide that right away while he develops other aspects of his game. As an added perk, the kid already has experience playing against grown men. His transition from NBL to NBA should go smoothly, compared to some college kids who struggle with the NBA’s more physical game.
Here’s some scout tape on Terrance from his season with the 36ers:
Those highlights are very encouraging. If he’s is still on the draft board when the Bulls are called, I’d have no problem taking a chance on the none-and-done kid. Given how high the demand is for 3&D wings in today’s NBA, it’s never wise to pass up the opportunity to snag one with pro-ready skills and room for growth. Ferguson definitely fits that criteria.
