In this installment of our series before June 26's NBA draft, we examine perhaps the best pure scorer in the entire prospect class:
Doug McDermott
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6-8, 225
School: Creighton
McDermott put the finishing touches on one of the finest careers in college basketball history last season, averaging 26.7 points and 7.0 rebounds as a senior at Creighton. He is the definition of offensive efficiency -- last season he shot 53 percent from the field, 45 percent from three-point range and 86 percent from the free throw line. McDermott didn't miss a beat as Creighton made the step up from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East. He was the unanimous Big East Player of the Year and swept all of the National Player of the Year awards as well.
McDermott wrapped up his college career with 3,150 points, the fifth most in Division I history. He did so playing every game of his career as the focal point of opposing defenses. Teams spent all of their preparation and energy trying to stop McDermott, and they couldn't do it.
Strengths
McDermott's offensive repertoire is unmatched by any prospect in the draft, Jabari Parker included. Nik Stauskas is the only shooter in the same league as McDermott in this draft class. Like Stauskas, McDermott can score from anywhere, not just behind the three-point line. He's incredibly efficient with his back to the basket and is effective on either low block. He uses both hands around the basket and moves incredibly well without the ball. He's constantly in motion running off screens, utilizing back-cuts and working the baseline.
But wait, there's more.
His Basketball IQ is off the charts. McDermott's father, Greg, was his head coach at Creighton. He plays like you'd expect the son of a coach to play -- always makes the right decision, doesn't force things offensively and knows when to get his teammates involved. McDermott also has all the intangibles you look for in a prospect -- he's unselfish, has a great work ethic and is accustomed to the spotlight both on and off the court. Despite all of his accomplishments, he never rested on his laurels. He constantly worked to improve himself and add new wrinkles to his game. The results were evident every time he stepped on the floor.
NBA
Weaknesses
There aren't any when it comes to his offense, but there are several concerning his defensive ability. There are questions about what position he will guard in the NBA -- is he quick enough to guard small forwards? Is he strong enough to guard power forwards? Will he be such a defensive liability that it will take away from what he provides offensively? These are all questions that McDermott will have to answer with his play. He's already began answering questions about his overall athleticism. McDermott tested well above average at the scouting combine, surprising scouts and front office onlookers with his vertical leap and agility scores.
How he'd fit with the Sixers
Very well. The Sixers need scorers, and no one in this draft does that better than McDermott. He would spread the floor and allow Michael Carter-Williams to create, as well as provide more room for the team's post players to operate. McDermott's scoring ability in the halfcourt would be a huge bonus, as the Sixers struggled to score last season if they couldn't get out in transition. Again, defense is the question. But I'm of the belief that he won't be the type of liability some people are suggesting. He would hold his own and benefit from Nerlens Noel's help defense.
NBA comparison
The Wally Szczerbiak and Kyle Korver comparisons are obvious but off base. He has a better all-around offensive game than those two. I'll go with Antawn Jamison -- similar size and skill set. Both players are capable of scoring inside and out, but McDermott is light years ahead of where Jamison was as a shooter when he entered the NBA.
Draft projection
Late lottery (eighth- to 14th-overall pick).