Amidst a time of rumors and speculation, Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott brings good news to the table by being named to Team USA’s Select Team.
The Chicago Bulls have had a tough year.
Former head coach Tom Thibodeau was fired. Derrick Rose fractured his face, which unfortunately was only the beginning of a plethora of team injuries across the board. Joakim Noah was benched.
Newly appointed head coach Fred Hoiberg was the target of many dissatisfied parties: players, the media and fans alike. The Bulls missed the postseason with a 42-40 record. The offseason has been riddled with reports of both squad drama and guys not returning.
I could go on, really. But, the organization is not totally doomed.
I mean it. There is still hope for Chicago yet.
More from Chicago Bulls
- NBA Rumors: Chicago pursuing the best remaining free agent
- 3 Ways the Chicago Bulls can utilize their disabled player exception
- 3 Teams that dodged a bullet with Russell Westbrook news
- NBA Rumors: Could Goran Dragic’s days be numbered on the Chicago Bulls?
- Revisiting 5 recent terrible trades ahead of the deadline
For one, the front office chose Jimmy Butler to represent the team at this year’s NBA Draft Lottery. So clearly they want him around and will presumably do whatever it takes to make sure that happens.
There are rumors of trade talks, which may have no merit. But it still shows that at some level, the franchise is at least entertaining the idea of finally making some moves.
And then there is golden boy Doug McDermott, who was just named to Team USA’s Select Team. A mouthful I know, but still something to rejoice over — I promise.
The USA men’s basketball team has decided to bring aboard 24 other players, solely for training purposes. This means that this group will work out daily with the National Team, from July 18-21, at the University of Las Vegas’ Mendenhall Center.
Although all practices will be closed to the public, you better believe the media will keep us all up to date on the cool stuff going on inside those four walls.
McDermott started four games this year for the Bulls, but played in a career-high 81. He averaged 9.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in 23.0 minutes per game, shooting 45.2 percent from the field.
Pippen Ain't Easy
However, it was his three-point shooting percentage that got him noticed this season. Shooting 42.5 from beyond-the-arc, the Bulls forward tied with Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson for fifth in the league. He also came in second on the team, with 110 three-pointers made.
Many are still saying that McDermott has underperformed, but he did improve significantly since his rookie days.
Last season, the 24-year-old was only averaging 3.0 points and 1.2 rebounds per contest, for 8.9 minutes on the floor. He shot 40.2 percent from the field, and 31.7 percent from three-point range.
Although this is not McDermott’s first time being associated with Team USA, the news does come at a pivotal point for the organization. It not only brings forth some good news for the team, but also gives reason to believe that McDermott will only continue to develop.
In 2011, he was a part of the U19 World Championship roster. He then took part in a National Team Minicamp in 2013, and was named to the Select Team in 2014. And just like before, this year he will be able to train among a handful of talent.
Also named to the Select Team roster are:
- Malcolm Brogdon (University of Virginia)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Detroit Pistons)
- Willie Cauley-Stein (Sacramento Kings)
- Kris Dunn (Providence College)
- Aaron Gordon (Orlando Magic)
- Jerami Grant (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Gary Harris (Denver Nuggets)
- Rodney Hood (Utah Jazz)
- Brandon Ingram (Duke University)
- Brice Johnson (University of North Carolina)
- Stanley Johnson (Detroit Pistons)
- Zach LaVine (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- C.J. McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Emmanuel Mudiay (Denver Nuggets)
- Jahlil Okafor (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Jabari Parker (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Julius Randle (Los Angeles Lakers)
- D’Angelo Russell (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)
- Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
- Denzel Valentine (Michigan State University)
- Justise Winslow (Miami Heat)
- Cody Zeller (Charlotte Hornets)
must read: Chicago Bulls: Will Joakim Noah Head To Minnesota?
The final group for Team USA itself, is still being determined.