Doug McDermott was acquired via trade by the New York Knicks and is probably the perfect fit for a young rebuilding franchise.
As the New York Knicks prepare for the start of the 2017-18 NBA season, there is plenty of optimism for the new faces of the franchise. One of the new players on the roster is fourth-year small forward Doug McDermott, who was recently acquired in the Carmelo Anthony trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
McDermott is considered one of the greatest college basketball players of all-time, leading the nation in scoring his senior year with 26.7 points per game. The former Creighton Blue Jay would go on to win the National college player of the year award in 2014.
McDermott finished his collegiate career ranked fifth on the all-time NCAA Division I scoring list with 3,150 points, and was drafted later drafted 11th overall by the Denver Nuggets until being traded on draft day to the Chicago Bulls.
The sharp shooting scoring touch hasn’t been that easy in the NBA for McDermott, as he continues to find his way in the league. He has a career average of 8.0 points per game in four seasons thus far in the league, but is now for the first time in a position to be encouraged to take more shots.
The Knicks are a team in need of extra scoring punch behind Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., especially for a player like McDermott who can hit an open jump shot. McDermott is a 6’8″ small forward that can create his own shot from different positions on the floor, so he can be used in various combinations on the roster.
The only knock that has followed him since college is his lackluster defensive play against players at his position. McDermott will constantly be matched up with other forwards such as Gordon Hayward with the Boston Celtics and Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, each talented players within the Atlantic Division.
McDermott would be a natural fit to take over Anthony’s former starting position, but the Knicks shouldn’t expect the same results. He will be more of a traditional small forward that can spread the floor and force defenders to not double down on Porzingis because of his quick release from 3-point range.
McDermott’s father, Greg, is very optimistic with his son’s ability to succeed in New York and believes this will be the situation he needs to get his career on track. In an interview with the New York Post, he broke down the frustrations of playing in Oklahoma City and wanting a fresh start.
"“It happened 15 minutes before the deadline right down to the wire,” his father said. “It was a difficult going into situation where you have to learn things on the fly. Not only does the player have to learn the system and style, the coach has to learn about a player’s strengths and how best be utilized. It’s hard to do at the end of February. He enjoyed playing with Russ but views this as a great opportunity. Being in New York, a great city, being an important part of laying down a foundation of a team.’’"
McDermott is no stranger to Madison Square Garden as he lit up the “World’s Most Famous Arena” on several occasions in college while playing in the Big East Tournament. McDermott set a tournament record scoring 27 first half points against DePaul in 2014 on the way to a 35-point night.
The now 25-year old will be looking to put up big numbers during the preseason to not only earn minutes in the rotation but possibly the starting lineup.
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The Knicks need a player like this who is hungry enough to push a young team with plenty to prove in the league.