McDermott back against Spurs after concussion issues
There have been some low points for Doug McDermott the last three- plus weeks as he struggled to get over his second concussion of the season.
“It was tough,’’ McDermott said Thursday in his first interview since clearing the NBA’s concussion protocol. “The first week and a half was tough sleeping- wise, just weird symptoms you don’t even realize. Being in cars, going to my appointments was tough at times, some headaches throughout the week.
“Just getting on the interstate, going down to the physical therapy, the movement around you, stuff like that would kind of trigger it. After the first week, I didn’t have any issues with that.
“But with a concussion, you have to be true to yourself and true to the doctors. You don’t want to lie about things because it can only make things worse. I’m finally to the point where I’m feeling better.’’
He’s also to the point where he rejoined the roster, just in time to welcome the Spurs to town.
After missing the last 11 games, McDermott was back in the rotation, hoping to spark a bench that was badly in need of it.
“Yeah, I think we’ll get our swagger back, too,’’ McDermott said. “We’ve had some injuries. Once we get myself and Michael [ Carter- Williams] back, we’ve been rotating guys that aren’t used to playing with each other. Once we get some continuity there with that group, things will get better.
“Adding a shooter like me, it’ll take pressure off Nikola [ Mirotic], take pressure off Isaiah [ Canaan] to hit shots. Just having three floor- spacers out there will really help all of us.’’
It also will help Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler, who often work with the second unit and would love to have a consistent drive- and- kick target waiting for them beyond the three- point line.
The Bulls were 6- 3 with McDermott in the lineup, and he was averaging 23.7 minutes and 10.6 points. He was only shooting 36 percent from three- point range, but he’s a career 41 percent three- point shooter, so that number was bound to improve.
“Doug provides a lot for this team with his cutting and his screening and obviously his floorspacing, which has been an issue for us, especially this last week and a half, two weeks,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said. ‘‘ So, yeah, to get Doug back, a guy who’s going to keep the defense honest, it’ll open up the lane for our playmakers, and then when teams help off, we’re confident that Doug will knock down shots.’’
Pop’s world
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich’s pregame demeanor with the media is quite the opposite of the terse image he’s known for on TV. He spoke for close to 15 minutes and covered an array of topics, including his love for the Cubs.
He was questioned about how he would handle a volatile player such as Rajon Rondo.
When asked if he’d ever gamble on adding Rondo to the roster, Popovich said, “As long as he promised ahead of time not to throw a towel at me.’’