Get to know Bulls rookie Dalen Terry: 'I want guys to fear me. But I always want guys to love to play with me.'
Arguably no NBA prospect improved their draft stock in the pre-draft process more than Arizona’s Dalen Terry, who is 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan.
Once widely expected to return to school for his junior year with the Wildcats in the Pac-12, the 19-year-old prospect made the tough but potentially fruitful decision to stay in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Portland Trail Blazers assistant general manager Mike Schmitz, while working for ESPN, celebrated Terry’s performance at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine (via ESPN):
“League executives we spoke with consistently raved about Terry’s interviews, citing his competitiveness, feel for the game and engaging personality. Terry’s intensity and infectious personality came to life during his pro day, further confirming the elite intangibles that evaluators who followed him closely raved about all season.”
Although his counting stats weren’t overwhelmingly outstanding (8.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.2 spg) last season, Terry was a star in his role while at Arizona.
With a more granular look, his impressive assist rate (22.1%) ranked near the best among taller underclassmen, suggesting unselfishness. His assists in transition offense per 40 minutes (2.1) leads all projected first-round draft picks.
Terry also reached statistical thresholds previously only accomplished by bigger guards like Lonzo Ball and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as well as playmaking forwards like Draymond Green, Scottie Barnes, Kyle Anderson, and Ben Simmons.
When he turns pro, if all goes according to plan with his development, he could play a similar role as either a perimeter player with great size (like Ball) or as a frontcourt player with above-average skills who can push the break and change the pace as a passer (like Anderson).
Although he still needs to work on the consistency of his 3-pointer, he has also had lots of success on the defensive end of the floor. Opponents were often unable to score against him in the pick and roll or beat him shooting off the bounce.
Terry recently caught up with For The Win to discuss his confidence, his court vision, his favorite players, and we even asked him about an early birthday party that he had previously forgotten about.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.