Creighton greats to face off for the first time

Doug McDermott and Kyle Korver are two of the best basketball players to come from Creighton, but, at 22 and 33, respectively, the two never got to play alongside each other. That all changes Thursday night, though, when the Chicago Bulls host the Atlanta Hawks for McDermott and Korver’s first match-up.

Korver is likely to start for Atlanta. McDermott, on the other hand, is expected to come off the bench. That isn’t to say he won’t be starting another exhibition, though. According to the Chicago Tribune‘s K.C. Johnson, coach Tom Thibodeau wasn’t set on labeling the Bulls rookie as a bench player.

"Thibodeau praised the rookies’ energy in practice and film-watching habits and was non-committal when asked if Doug McDermott could draw another exhibition start: “I’m comfortable with (Mike Dunleavy) in either role.”"

Regardless of when McDermott gets his first minutes, it’s still likely he’ll find some playing time against Korver. If he does, Korver won’t be too surprised at what he sees. After all, the former Bull was in McDermott’s spot four years ago: learning the defensive schemes of Thibodeau’s system and running off several screens to get an open jump shot.

Apr 2, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) shoots a three point shot in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena. The Bulls won 105-92. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Their shooting abilities have made them big names in basketball, and it’s even prompted comparisons between the two Creighton alumni. The comparisons are somewhat fair, but not entirely since McDermott still has more of an versatile skill set compared to Korver. For one, McDermott is a lot more likely to score on the post than Korver, and he’s a better shot creator. Despite that, though, both of them have fared similarly thus far in the preseason.

Korver has only played in two of Atlanta’s three exhibitions due to the birth of his son, Knox Elliot Korver, but, during those games, he has averaged 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 20.0 minutes of playing time. He has also shot 43.8 percent from the field, 40.0 percent from downtown and is perfect on free throws; however, Korver has only attempted one free throw.

Similarly, McDermott has also averaged 10.5 points and 1.5 assists, but he has an advantage in rebounds and minutes at 5.5 and 29.3, respectively.  The Ames, Iowa-native has also shot 43.3 percent from the field, 42.9 percent on threes and 71.4 percent from the charity stripe on 14 attempts.

As a big fan of both Korver and McDermott, this game — even if it’s just preseason — was one I’ve looked forward to since the Bulls released their preseason schedule. But the fact the two of them have been performing just about as well as the other makes it even more exciting.

UPDATE: The Bulls have announced Dunleavy is out tonight, so it is likely McDermott may get to start against Atlanta after all. The Chicago Tribune‘s K.C. Johnson said he worked with the starters earlier today (Thursday).

Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald has reported that McDermott will indeed be starting tonight.

Location: United Center – Chicago
Time: 7 p.m. central
TV: Comcast SportsNet Chicago