Draft Profile: Doug McDermott
By Zach Oliver
With the NBA Draft Lottery behind us, we shift our focus directly to the June 26th NBA Draft. Over the next month we’ll look at some of the top prospects in the draft, along with players that the Magic either reportedly worked out, or interviewed at the NBA Draft Combine. Creighton’s high scoring forward Doug McDermott is next.
Three time Consensus First-Team All-American, Wooden Award winner, Naismith Award winner and AP Player of the Year. It’s safe to say Creighton’s Doug McDermott enjoyed a very successful college career. McDermott finished his college career as the fifth highest scorer in NCAA history, but how well will his all-around game translate to the NBA?
Points |
Rebounds
TS%
Turnover %
Usage %
2010-11
14.9
7.2
60.7
15.4
27.4
2011-12
22.9
8.2
67.8
11.8
31.2
2012-13
23.2
7.7
67.2
13.0
34.3
2013-14
26.7
7.0
64.6
7.9
36.2
Wow. That’s about all that can be said about McDermott. Not only did he score at a high rate, he also did so in a highly efficient manner. His true shooting percentage ranked third amongst all of DraftExpress’ prospects this year, trailing only Michigan guard Nik Stauskas and Kansas center Joel Embiid. However, McDermott had a much higher usage than either of those two, which makes the feat that much more incredible.
Measurables
Height w/shoes |
Weight
Wingspan
Standing Reach
Max Vert
6’ 7.75”
218
6’ 9.25”
8’ 7”
36.5
Strengths
- Scoring Ability
Hands down the best scorer in this draft, McDermott does it in a handful of ways. Whether it be jump shooting, running the floor, in the post, or off the dribble, you name it, McDermott can most likely do it. This season, McDermott scored 31.6 points per-40 minutes, which ranked first among players in DraftExpress’ top-100. McDermott was also able to show off an improved driving ability throughout his four years as a Bluejay. At this point, there’s seemingly no way McDermott can’t score the ball.
- Shooting Ability
Thanks to his great mechanics, quick and deep release and pinpoint accuracy, McDermott is one of the best shooters in this draft. He can do it in anyway. Pulling up, off the dribble, catch and shoot, coming off screens, anyway you can think of, the former Bluejay can knock it down. Need more evidence? His last three seasons at Creighton, McDermott shot 48.6, 49.0 and 44.9 percent from three and finished his career with a three-point shooting percentage of 45.8.
Weaknesses
- Athleticism
Despite his strengths offensively, there are questions surrounding McDermott and his athleticism. He’s one of the more average athletes in this draft, which could hurt him going forward. He plays below the rim and has feasted previously on mismatches against power forwards, which he will most likely not be able to do at the next level. His not-so-great frame and not-so-long arms will undoubtedly hurt him at the next level, especially when he’s trying to finish around the rim.
- Positional Fit
Like a few other players in the draft, McDermott doesn’t have a set position yet. Is he a small forward or a power forward? It’s not clear if he’s quick enough to guard small forwards or big and strong enough to guard power forwards. McDermott was never known as a real defensive stalwart in terms of stealing the ball or blocking shots, and is a below average rebounder.
Conclusion
McDermott is as gifted of a scorer as there is in this draft. However, the questions still loom large over the former Bluejay. McDermott will need to be drafted to the right situation with the right coach who can help him to continue to build off of his already strong, refined offensive game. Early in his career, the questions surrounding him athletically and positionally could be big issues defensively.
With the Magic holding the 12th pick, McDermott could very well be in play there, if he’s still on the board. However, the fit with Creighton’s former star is slightly murky. With Tobias Harris, another combo forward already on the roster and coming off the bench, and Andrew Nicholson at power forward as well, it would seem there isn’t room for McDermott in Orlando.
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