All about 3, ‘ D’ for McDermott
His outside shooting, improved defense will be crucial for Bulls
LAS VEGAS — It’s not a badge Doug McDermott wears proudly, but he wears it.
There’s something to be said for that.
Going into his third season with the Bulls, the 11th overall pick in the 2014 draft admittedly has been overwhelmed on the defensive end some nights. What bothers him, however, is the perception that he’s a liability on defense every time he steps on the court.
That’s something he refuses to wear.
“I know people carry expectations before the games even start, and obviously there were times where I struggled defensively,’’ McDermott said recently. “But in the NBA, it’s hard to stop guys. It’s the best players in the world, and you’re going to have nights where guys score on you a lot, but you’re going to have nights where you play well defensively.
“I feel like I had some games where I held my own out there and did a good job, but it’s the games that you struggle in that people really remember. For me, it’s about moving on to the next game and understanding things happen throughout a season.
“I don’t want to be a liability. I want to be known as a team defender. That starts with working out and watching film with our staff this summer.’’
McDermott has been a gym rat at the Advocate Center, working hard in the weight room and showing improvement in all areas of his game. He’d better. After trading Mike Dunleavy and Jose Calderon to make room for Dwyane Wade’s two- year, $ 47.5 million contract, the Bulls have put a lot on McDermott’s shoulders. Coach Fred Hoiberg acknowledged that Sunday, admitting that McDermott will be their primary three- point shooter on a roster basically devoid of marksmen.
“Yeah, obviously we’re going to need guys to space the floor and make shots,’’ Hoiberg said. “We feel Doug’s one of the best shooters in the league. We’re doing a lot of defensive [ footwork] stuff with him, doing a lot of two- on- two, three- onthree stuff with Doug right now and working on a lot of technique.
“Last year was basically Doug’s rookie season. He got a lot of minutes and made a lot of mistakes on that end, as all young players do. But he does own up to it; he wants to get better. He’s going to work on it every day. He’s going to have to be on the floor a lot for us.’’
McDermott spent the last few weeks working out with the Summer League team and will start practicing with the Team USA Se- lect squad in a few weeks.
The hope is the more work McDermott can get in, the better off he’ll be on both sides of the ball.
“It’s about being able to play in all 82 games,’’ McDermott said. “Being able to guard multiple guys. Not being a liability out there. Being a team defender. That’s what this summer is about for me.