As we continue our player outlooks for this season, we’ll take a look at Doug McDermott. Is the Creighton sharpshooter in line for a big season in Chicago?
Next: Bulls player outlooks: Denzel Valentine
The Chicago Bulls are going to need lots of shooting from their role guys this season. Somebody’s going to need to step up and be a true x-factor for a team that isn’t projected to make the postseason. Look no further than Doug McDermott.
After an eventful summer that included the Bulls landing a new backcourt duo of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, sending All-star Forward Jimmy Butler to Rio for the Olympics, or even the blossoming Bulls’ reserves going on to win a Las Vegas Summer League title; there was a lot to be excited for.
But, the excitement shouldn’t stop there. Third-year pro Doug McDermott has been a gym rat this summer and ready for his breakout season.
Just a lottery pick two years ago, McDermott took the initiative this offseason to practice in Las Vegas with the Bulls’ summer league team. This not only shows the maturity and leadership McDermott brings to the Bulls, but also that he’s ready to make a splash with the second unit.
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“I love being around these young guys. Bobby (Portis), Cris (Felicio), Denzel (Valentine), Jerian (Grant); these are guys I’m going to be playing with a lot coming off the bench. So if I can get as many reps in as possible with them it’s an opportunity I didn’t think twice about,” said McDermott, per Sam Smith of Bulls.com.
Quite possibly the most important shooter on this roster, McDermott will be asked to spread the floor and be an immediate impact in the offense. With that said, McDermott showed he can be a reliable shooter, shooting over 42 percent from three last season.
McDermott tripled his production offensively from the previous season (3.0 points per game in ‘14-’15 to 9.4 points per game in ‘15-16) and looks to build on a productive year trying to stay healthy and ready to go.
The biggest room for improvement for him will need to be on the defensive end. Thanks to social media, we were able to witness McDermott and Jimmy Butler working out this summer. (Something all Bulls fans hope pans out working in Doug’s favor!)
Even a slight improvement defensively from McDermott will be a huge help to this Bulls team going forward.
Bulls' Jimmy Butler, Doug McDermott work out together at the beach https://t.co/aMhAEp6noN via @jknowles31 pic.twitter.com/QnebVkZZv8
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) August 31, 2016
One other tidbit worth-noting: With the acquisition of Wade, McDermott unselfishly gave up his No. 3 jersey, the same number Wade has worn throughout his storied 13-year career. No. 3 was a number McDermott had worn since his Creighton days and over the past two seasons with the Bulls.
As for what Wade had to give up in return? McDermott hasn’t revealed his treasurers just yet.
Can McDermott be a positive impact this season? The possibility is certainly there with the lack of shooting, but the real progress will need to be seen on the other end of the floor.