Chicago Bulls Profile: Doug McDermott

The Chicago Bulls traded for Doug McDermott during last year’s draft in hope he could be their future sharp-shooter or a solid offensive contributor off the bench. It didn’t turn out that way during his rookie season however, but Chicago still has hope that he can turn into a solid rotational player.

More from Bulls News

McDermott was a star at Creighton, being named to the NCAA AP All-American First Team three times and winning numerous player of the year awards after his senior season. He was one of the most versatile scorers the college game has seen in a long time and the Bulls hope he can show that in the NBA.

Doug McDermott is still young and has a ton of potential. He is also the next Chicago Bulls profile in our series.

2014-15 Season: 36 GP, 3.0 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 40.2 FG%, 31.7 3P%

It was a rough rookie season to say the least for McDermott. He dealt with injuries and never found a way into the rotation. The jump shot struggles were well-documented all season.

ALSO AT PIPPEN AIN’T EASY: Chicago Bulls: Franchise Four

McDermott saw a good amount of minutes early in the season before undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He played in 24 minutes during the Bulls’ blowout win over the New York Knicks in the season opener. In those 24 minutes of action, McDermott scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting. Despite having an impressive career debut, his minutes continued to fall the next couple of games. McDermott only played 20 or more minutes once more before injuring his right knee.

After suffering an injury to his right knee, McDermott was never able to get back to 100 percent and it showed. While at Creighton, McDermott shot over 52 percent from the field and over 40 percent from behind the arc every year. That wasn’t the case last season as he was only able to shoot a miserable 40.2 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from behind the arc for the Bulls.

A big reason McDermott wasn’t able to find his shot in the NBA was because he didn’t get consistent playing time all season. Tom Thibodeau was famous for not playing rookies and there was no exception for McDermott. He only saw 8.9 minutes per game in 36 appearances as a rookie for the Bulls last season. It’s hard for a shooter to find a rhythm when they see five minutes one game and 15 the next. The lingering injuries and longer NBA three-point line also had an impact on McDermott’s shot.

McDermott came to Chicago in hopes of being a solid all-around player off the bench. However, no part of his game clicked last season. He had a nice all-around game during his four years at Creighton, but it didn’t translate in his first year as a pro.

McDermott averaged a solid 7.5 rebounds per game during his four seasons at Creighton, but was only able to grab 1.2 rebounds per game last season. That’s only 4.8 rebounds per 36 minutes. At 6’8″, he doesn’t have great height, but his 225-pound build gives him potential to be a good rebounder in the NBA.

There weren’t many highlights last season for McDermott, but his 16-point performance in a loss to Indiana late last season was one game that stood out. McDermott only played 16 minutes but still was able to set his season high in points on 8-17 shooting (47.1 percent). He missed his only three-point attempt that game, but showed his ability to score on mid-range jump shots and get to the basket.

Last season was just a reminder that a great college player doesn’t always mean they’ll be a good NBA player, especially not right away. McDermott didn’t get enough playing time to really see how much potential he has, but he needs to improve his outside shot and free throw shooting to be successful.

Las Vegas Summer League: 5 GP, 31.4 MPG, 18.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 48.8 FG%

All eyes were on the second-year small forward this summer. He put up an impressive showing next to Tony Snell last summer, but was the main attraction this go-around. McDermott missed the Bulls’ last game against the Phoenix Suns due to an injury, but played in Chicago’s other five games. He looked a lot more like the player we were accustomed to seeing at Creighton, and it gave Chicago hope that he’s not going to be a bust.

McDermott was the star player for the Bulls in summer league this year, leading the team in minutes per game (31.4), points per game (18.8) and field goal percentage (48.8 percent). It was nice to see him get at least 30 minutes every game to see how he does with consistent playing time.

McDermott shot well from the field, but struggled throughout all of summer league from three-point range. He only shot 12.5 percent from behind the arc. That’s a concerning number, being that he barely shot over 30 percent from long range last year and was on fire in Las Vegas Summer League play last season, shooting 44.4 percent. The Bulls’ hope of McDermott being their next sharp-shooter is quickly fading away, but it’s unfair to say that until we see him in the regular season.

Despite the three-point shooting, McDermott looked like the type of player the Bulls thought they drafted. He was a consistent scorer, scoring at least 15 points in four of five games. McDermott almost shot 50 percent from the field and showed his ability to score using a jump shot and get to the basket. It was exactly what Chicago was looking for and they’re hoping it transfers into regular season play.

While McDermott is known for his jump shot and has the ability to post up, he has good handles for his size and can beat bigger defenders off the dribble to get to the basket. He also has a good understanding of when to make a cut to the basket, something that bodes well since the Bulls are an unselfish team.

The biggest thing that McDermott showed however this summer was his ability to rebound. Last summer he averaged 4.0 rebounds per game, but improved to 4.4 rebounds per game this summer.

It was a successful summer league for McDermott, and the fact he played for new Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg in Vegas, will only help his chances of seeing minutes early on. While McDermott still struggled in some areas of his game he flashed a lot of good signs Chicago wanted to see. The Bulls were expecting him to be their star this summer and he was. Now, the Bulls just hope it shows during the regular season.

2015-16 Season Expectations

To expect Doug McDermott to become a legit three-point threat this upcoming season isn’t crazy to hope for, but it’s unlikely. He was a great scorer in college, but never a spot-up shooter. He showed he has the offensive ability in summer league for the past two years, but now needs to prove he can do it when it matters.

4 Teams that should trade for Tyler Herro

All U Can Heat

Grade The Trade: Bucks add two-time All-Star in a deal with rivaling BullsBehind the Buck Pass

4 Teams that need to trade for Hawks' Trae Young immediatelySoaring Down South

3 teams who blew a golden opportunity by not signing Christian WoodFanSided

NBA rumors: Trae Young trade buzz, Andre Drummond is a comedian, Wemby and KAT team upFanSided

These NBA stars might switch teams sooner rather than laterAll U Can Heat

McDermott should be considered one of the top wing options off the bench this season. His play compliments Mike Dunleavy‘s play well. Dunleavy is a good all-around player who is scrappy on defense and can score when needed. McDermott has the potential to be a volume scorer. If he is able to find his range early in the season, along with scoring on cuts to the basket, he could have a similar role to Nikola Mirotic of late last season.

The Bulls don’t need McDermott to be a great defensive player. They have enough solid defensive players to have a volume scorer on the court who doesn’t offer great defense.

If McDermott wants to see near 20 minutes per game however, he needs to rebound a lot better than last season. He’s not going to lead the team in rebounds, but getting three or four rebounds per game from him shouldn’t be out of his reach. It also gives the Bulls another reason to put him on the court besides just his scoring ability.

In a way it’s crazy, but also understandable to think this is McDermott’s make or break season. The Bulls have him locked up for two more years, but a trade involving him during the season or next offseason is likely if he doesn’t produce. It has only been one season so far, but Chicago thought he could be someone who could produce right away.

Going into the season, the Bulls are hoping he can be a solid role player coming off the bench. If McDermott doesn’t improve his jump shot and score at more efficient pace then his time in Chicago may be done.

What To Watch For

The hiring of Fred Hoiberg should be a plus for McDermott. He’s familiar with Hoiberg from the days of his father coaching Iowa State prior to Hoiberg taking over. Plus, he’s a good fit for Hoiberg’s quicker-paced offense.

ALSO AT PIPPEN AIN’T EASY: Five Chicago Bulls Players Make SI’s Top 100 Players List

There’s a reason the Bulls drafted McDermott last season and hopefully Hoiberg can find a way to use him. McDermott is versatile on offense and can help the Bulls in many ways, and that should allow him to see more playing time.

The biggest thing to watch for is how his role changes if he struggles shooting the ball. During the Tom Thibodeau era, if a player went through a shooting slump, they would see less minutes. He’s a second-year player and just like any player, he will go through rough stretches. If the Bulls want him to succeed and reach his full potential, then they need to give him a consistent amount of playing time and see how he does.

Doug McDermott is not going to average 20 points per game this season. But, McDermott can be a solid role player for the Bulls if given the opportunity. He needs to show early on what he can do on offense or else he might fall out of the rotation. However, the Bulls don’t have a ton of options at the small forward position, giving him a great opportunity.

The Bulls need to be patient with him this season, but if he struggles all season, then it may be his last in Chicago.

Next: Chicago Bulls profile: Bobby Portis

More from Pippen Ain't Easy