Doug McDermott
Doug McDermott, born on January 3, 1992, is an American professional basketball player known for his shooting accuracy and scoring ability. His basketball journey began at Ames High School in Ames, Iowa, where he quickly distinguished himself as a prolific scorer.
**Collegiate Career:**
McDermott committed to Creighton University, where he played under his father, Greg McDermott, who was the head coach. His collegiate career was spectacular, establishing him as one of the most dominant offensive players in NCAA history.
In his freshman year (2010-2011), McDermott averaged 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, earning the MVC Freshman of the Year award. His sophomore season (2011-2012) saw a significant jump in his production, averaging 22.9 points and 8.2 rebounds, leading Creighton to the NCAA Tournament. He was named a consensus First-Team All-American, becoming the first Creighton player to achieve this distinction.
McDermott continued his exceptional play in his junior year (2012-2013), averaging 23.2 points and 7.7 rebounds. He again earned consensus First-Team All-American honors and was a finalist for numerous national player of the year awards.
His senior season (2013-2014) was a record-setter. McDermott averaged an astonishing 26.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. He surpassed the 3,000-point mark in his collegiate career, finishing as the eighth-highest scorer in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history with 3,150 points. He was awarded the Wooden Award, Naismith College Player of the Year, and AP Player of the Year, solidifying his legacy as one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
**Draft:**
Following his illustrious collegiate career, Doug McDermott entered the 2014 NBA Draft as one of the most intriguing prospects. He was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 11th overall pick. However, his rights were immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls in a draft night deal.
**Professional News and Data:**
McDermott’s NBA career has seen him play for various teams, showcasing his primary skill as a three-point specialist and an off-ball scorer.
He began his NBA stint with the Chicago Bulls (2014-2017), where he struggled to find consistent playing time in his debut season due to injuries and a crowded roster. He showed flashes of his scoring ability in his second season but was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in February 2017.
After a brief spell with the Thunder, he was traded again, this time to the New York Knicks (2017-2018), where he continued to develop his role as a reliable shooter off the bench. He was then traded to the Dallas Mavericks (2018), finishing the season there.
In the 2018 offseason, McDermott signed with the Indiana Pacers, where he spent three seasons (2018-2021). During his time with the Pacers, he solidified his reputation as a valuable floor spacer, often coming off the bench to provide instant offense with his three-point shooting. He played a consistent role in the Pacers’ rotation, contributing to the team’s offensive efficiency.
Following his time with the Pacers, McDermott signed with the San Antonio Spurs in August 2021. With the Spurs, he continued to be a reliable perimeter shooter and a veteran presence, contributing to the team’s offensive schemes. He consistently provided spacing for his teammates and showed his ability to score both off the catch and by moving without the ball.
In February 2024, McDermott was traded to the Indiana Pacers for a second stint with the team, reuniting him with a familiar environment. This trade underscored his value as a complementary piece for teams looking to bolster their shooting depth.
Throughout his NBA career, McDermott has maintained a three-point percentage well above the league average, making him a valuable asset in the modern NBA offense. His ability to space the floor and hit contested shots has been his trademark.
**Personal Data:**
Doug McDermott comes from a strong basketball lineage, with his father, Greg McDermott, being a respected college basketball coach. This background provided him with an early and deep understanding of the game. He is known for his calm demeanor and strong work ethic. Off the court, he is generally reserved, focusing on his family and his basketball career. His journey from a highly decorated college player to a consistent role player in the NBA highlights his dedication and adaptability in a competitive professional league.
