The Oklahoma City Thunder returned to the practice court on Monday after having a couple of days off.
Joining them was Terrance Ferguson, who has not played in a game for the Thunder in more than two weeks.
Oklahoma City head coach Billy Donovan told Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman that Ferguson was “practicing without restrictions” after missing eight straight games.
“It’s great to have him back,” Donovan said. “He seems to be in a really good place.”
Ferguson last played in the first half of Oklahoma City’s loss to the Miami Heat on Jan. 17. He reportedly missed the second half of that game, as well as the Thunder’s game on Jan. 18 against the Trail Blazers because of illness. However, after that, the franchise listed him as out due to personal reasons.
Nothing more about the situation is known at this time because, as noted by Lee, Oklahoma City “does not disclose specifics about players’ personal matters”.
Ferguson’s return raises questions about what decisions Donovan will make regarding the rotation.
Rookie Lu Dort has stepped up to fill the role of defensive stopper in Ferguson’s absence, as well as showing off an impressive array of offensive skills in OKC’s win over the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 29.
Dort scored a career-high 23 points in the win.
Donovan did not give The Oklahoman any indication as to whether or not Ferguson would immediately be slotted back into the starting lineup.
“I think having today and tomorrow to practice is good for him to get back into practice and see where he’s at. But that will probably be a conversation he and I will talk about going forward.”
Oklahoma City has Tuesday off before they kick off a four-game homestand, starting with Wednesday game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tip-off inside Chesapeake Energy Arena is set for 7 p.m. CT.
