Mar 14, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) drives to the basket against Xavier Musketeers forward Isaiah Philmore (31) in the semifinals of the Big East college basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. Creighton Bluejays defeat Xavier Musketeers 86-78. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Doug McDermott
Power Forward, Creighton
Senior, 22 years old
6’7.5″, 225 lbs.
2013-14 Stats: 33.7 MPG, 26.7 PPG (52.6% FG, 86.4% FT, 44.9% 3FG), 7.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.7 TOPG
Measurements: 6’9.25″ wingspan, 8’7″ standing reach, 36.5’ max vert, 28.5’ no step vert, 7.1% body fat
Cumulative Ranking: 11th | Bryant’s Ranking: 11th | Scott’s Ranking: 12th
Doug McDermott: THE BREAKDOWN
Bryant: It’s a bit awkward that I’m the one starting this discussion, because I can’t believe I’m higher on McDermott than you. I thought I was lower on McDermott for the Kings then just about anyone! Regardless, the appeal of McDermott is obvious; fantastic shooter, gifted all-around offensive player, high basketball IQ, mentally a tough player. He’d help spread the floor and would pretty much become the best Kings shooter by default. The problem? He’s undersized for the power forward spot (6’7, an inch shorter than Aaron Gordon/Julius Randle), and while he’s more vertically athletic then he gets credit for (36.5 max vertical), he’s not quick enough to play the small forward spot. And while he was an average defender in college, I question who about he’ll guard in the NBA. McDermott has the makings of a fantastic role player, but one who should go to a team with good defensive pieces in place, and that sure isn’t Sacramento.
Scott: You said it. I hesitate to say I’m down on McDermott, but I have him ranked high among role players because that’s what I think he is. At No. 8, I’d have a problem drafting a player like McDermott with no true position and some big limitations to his game. Analyzing his skills, he’s a terrific shooter, and I think that translates. He also battles and has solid athleticism. But I just don’t see him as a starter with big upside, which is what the No. 8 pick is for.
Mar 14, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Doug McDermott (3) drives past Xavier Musketeers guard Dee Davis (11) and Xavier Musketeers guard Myles Davis (15) during the first half of a semifinal game of the Big East college basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Bryant: I think, in the right situation and surrounded by guys who can compensate for his weaknesses, he can be a starter. My personal favorite spot for him would be Philadelphia (assuming they get either Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker). He’s next to a tall defensive center in Nerlens Noel, and they’ve also got Thad Young, an above average defender. In that situation, he’d be ideal. Here, in Sacramento, I don’t buy it as much. The Kings need someone who can stretch the floor, and Cousins did make significant defensive strides this past season, but I don’t buy the fit. He really is a solid rebounding SF in a PF’s body to me – he had 14 blocks in his total career at Creighton (and only 34 steals). Blocks aren’t everything to post defense, for sure, but it’s just another part of the puzzle; imagine him suddenly guarding Blake Griffin while Cousins is stuck on DeAndre Jordan.
Scott: I think you just scared him further down my rankings. His measurements are actually almost identical to another Creighton Blue Jay I think he compares to — Kyle Korver (Combine measurements: same height with shoes, nearly identical wingspan, McDermott 7 lbs. heavier). So I’m still unsure of him as a power forward at the next level…unless he bulks up.
Three Questions with Ed Isaacson of NBADraftBlog.com
(Be sure to follow Ed on Twitter and check out his full scouting reports atNBADraftBlog.com.)
1. How will McDermott handle playing NBA defense? Can he compensate for his lack of height?
Ed: There may be some early struggles as he gets used to the speed of the NBA game, but he is fundamentally sound and while he will never likely be mistaken for an All-Defensive player, he knows how to play defense. He’ll learn methods to make up for his shortcomings, including height. If he’s regularly matched up against 6’9-6’10 guys, he will need to work on his strength to handle them in the post, and do his best to challenge them on the perimeter.
2. You selected McDermott for the Kings in your first mock – how do you think he fits with DeMarcus Cousins?
Ed: I still have him there in my second mock as well. I think his ability to stretch the floor and attract defenders will just open up even more room for Cousins to operate in the post. Plus McDermott can be placed almost anywhere on the floor, so Cousins should learn how to play off him well..
3. Do you think McDermott is forever a tweener who will play both forward spots or will he gravitate toward one or the other?
Ed: I think in the long run, he is a stretch 4, having the ability to score in the post or on the perimeter. Also, I think his best bet long-term to defend in the NBA will be guarding 4’s, especially with more and more teams going to stretch 4’s. He doesn’t really have the speed to guard NBA 3’s, even if you use him on offense as one.
A Royal Pain – Sacramento Kings Cumulative Big Board
15. Nik Stauskas – Shooting Guard, Michigan
14. Jusuf Nurkic – Center, Bosnia
13. Adreian Payne – Power Forward, Michigan State
12. Gary Harris – Guard, Michigan State
11. Doug McDermott – Forward, Creighton