2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Player Profile:

“Ferguson isn’t an all-around stud on the offensive end, but he excels as a spot-up shooter from beyond the arc. At 6-7,  he has a quick, concise release off the catch, while also showing much improved movement off the ball during his development with Adelaide.

Largely considered a raw athlete with an outside jumper coming in, Ferguson has done a good job of rounding out the edges of his game in professional play. He’s passing well within the flow of the offense, while not pressing too much with the ball in his hands.

He still doesn’t create much off the dribble, but is one of the draft’s most explosive athletes in space — leading to some promising flashes in straight-line drives, which could up his stock. He has clear upside in transition given both his shooting touch and ability to play above the rim in space, and doubles down with a strong defensive profile to boot.” — 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0.

Outside Opinion:

“Soon to return from overseas, Ferguson’s deep shooting ability as a traditional two-guard sets him apart in a relatively thin positional crop. He’s long, bouncy and should be able to defend on the wing, profiling as a useful piece that most teams can use. The questions some scouts have are tied to a lack of productivity in Australia, which to some degree is understandable after skipping college. There’ll be added emphasis on strong workouts. But his three-point stroke should translate, and there’s upside here once his body fills out.” — Jeremy Woo in SI.com’s 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0.

Team Fit:

Ferguson is a prototypical 3-and-D wing, boasting the type of long 6-7 frame and strong perimeter shooting touch that virtually any ball club can use. But the Pacers have an even greater need for players of Ferguson’s ilk given their systematic desires and team makeup, which makes this a relatively easy selection to project.

While Glenn Robinson III has filled in nicely alongside Jeff Teague and Paul George in the starting rotation, Ferguson’s upside is even higher. On a team that has had a tough time building a cohesive unit in recent years, they’re beginning to put the pieces together as their newest additions become comfortable with their niches in the rotation.

Ferguson’s ability to run the floor, defend with the perimeter alongside P.G.13, and play within the system as a spacer will lead Larry Bird and company to pull the trigger.