The Bulls traded 3rd year small forward out of Creighton, Doug McDermott to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal that included Taj Gibson in exchange for point guard Cameron Payne and shooting guard Anthony Morrow.
Bust is an exaggeration, underachieved has been the case for the former collegiate star. With the nickname Dougie McBuckets, the Bulls expected McDermott to provide instantly deep range shooting from the moment he was drafted. During his rookie season he only averaged 3 points per game, and 1 rebound, while playing 9 minutes. During his 3 years in Chicago has averaged 8.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. Nobody expected star numbers, but those numbers are pathetic.
For his credit, the Bulls have struggled in the front office and with personnel, so McDermott came into a bad situation. With Derrick Rose being traded, it was thought of that he would be granted more opportunity. Wrong. The Bulls might have taken a step back in the player development process when they decided to sign Dwayne Wade and Rajon Rondo.
It’s now or bust for McDermott. Now he’s playing with a superstar point guard in Russell Westbrook, who is averaging a triple double. Most of those assists coming from slashes to the rim and kick out 3 pointers. Perhaps McDermott will have the easy time scoring since college.
