Doug McDermott
Birthdate: Jan. 3, 1992 (Grand Forks, N.D.)
School: Ames (Ames, Iowa) Class: 2014 (OFFICIAL) Height: 6'8" Weight: 225 NBA Position: SF/PF |
Scouting Report 1.0 — 06.05.2014 (Joseph Fafinski)
One of the most decorated scorers in college basketball history, Doug McDermott of Creighton University is out to show he's more than a one-trick pony at the professional rank. After a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise stellar senior campaign, McBuckets changes his focus to the uncertainty he faces at the next level. We all know of his extraordinary range and perpetual competence in placing the ball in the hoop, but beyond that it's tough to project how he'll fare against the best in the world. Prior to last year, McDermott's Blue Jays faced inferior competition, or at least comparatively so, to the other projected lottery picks. He's a natural born leader and has the mental toughness of a tree stuck in the middle of a tornado.
|
Something McDermott excels at intangibly is his overall love, understanding, and appreciation for the little things in the game. Then again, not many of those hoping to hear their named called on draft night played high school ball with Harrison Barnes and had their father coach them in the NCAAs. Fundamentally, McDermott's as sound and level-headed as they come in this class. It's been said that it's vital to find your niche to succeed in the NBA. This is where the Ames, Iowa native will have his toughest battle. He's too undersized to play at the four, and too slow to keep up with the quicker small forwards (imagine McDermott dropping 20 on Kevin Durant, only to allow 50 on defense).
|
McDermott's lateral quickness and the use of his hands on defense are a few things that need to improve if he wants to be taken seriously alongside the world's best. A pro in taking McDermott in the top 10 goes back to his leadership and smarts. You're telling me a team like the Sacramento Kings couldn't use a fresh face like that? As far as comparing McDermott to a current NBA player, I'll go with Rashard Lewis, circa mid-2000s. Lewis was a guy in Seattle and Orlando that recognized his strengths and utilized his talents. Scouts see a Wally Szczerbiak resemblance Although, being a diehard Timberwolves junkie, Wally could score in a plethora of ways, he didn't have quite the stroke McDermott possesses. Clearly, you don't have to sell me on Doug McDermott-- his intangibles and scoring ability merit a lottery selection.
|