Five reasons why Thunder fans should NOT start panicking
By Tony Heim
2. Doug McBuckets has not been getting McBuckets
Taj Gibson is nice, but the addition of Doug McDermott was my favorite part of the Cameron Payne trade. McDermott has another year on his contract and Oklahoma City has ultimate control once he hits restricted free agency. Plus his game is perfect for the Thunder starting lineup.
Related Story: The ultimate Doug McDermott player profile
In his first five games in a Thunder jersey McDermott hasn’t lived up to expectations. He’s a combined 5-19 from deep (26.3%) and 16-43 from the field (37.2%). But that’s the life of a shooter in the NBA; one week they are feeling it the next week they aren’t.
As Billy Donovan realizes the best way to utilize McDermott (i.e. his favorite spots on the floor, how he moves off-ball) we will see those numbers start to rise. McDermott joins Alex Abrines as the only genuine threat from deep on the roster so figuring out McDermott’s game is a top priority.
The main difference between McDermott and Abrines is McDermott’s defense is justtttttttt good enough to validate playing him 30+ minutes a night. McDermott’s shots may not be falling like Abrines, but as he gets used to playing alongside Westbrook and Co. those McMisses will turn into McBuckets once again.