Dallas Mavericks: Retaining Doug McDermott should be a priority

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 8: Doug McDermott #20 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 8, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images. /

A bigger role

In the modern NBA, having knockdown 3-point shooters is a must in order to space the floor and remain competitive. McDermott, although viewed as a defensive liability, fills that role perfectly.

Although he had moved around quite a bit, that didn’t stop him from having the best shooting stretch of his career with the Mavericks. He shot 47.8 percent from the field and 49.4 percent from 3-point land in 26 games.

The Mavericks had seven different players shoot at least four 3-pointers per game. McDermott, who is arguably the best shooter on the team, could easily see more shots in Dallas’ shoot-heavy system.

He had success moving without the ball and displayed his innate ability to knock down the deep ball. Although his high shooting percentages may not be sustainable over the course of a full season, McDermott could easily become the team’s primary backup small forward behind starter Harrison Barnes.

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