Oklahoma City Thunder player grades: Doug McDermott may benefit from OKC’s maxed salary cap

Full Name: Douglas Richard McDermott

Contract Status: Signed through 17-18 with Oklahoma City Thunder for $3.2 Million

Player History:

• Acquired: February 23, 2016 by Oklahoma City from Chicago, along with PF Taj Gibson and a 2018 second-round draft pick for Anthony Morrow, Cameron Payne, and Joffrey Lauvergne
• Years Pro: 3
• NBA Debut: October 29, 2014
• Position: Small Forward

2016-2017 Oklahoma City Thunder Player Statistics

• Games Played: 22
• Minutes Per Game: 19.5
• Points Per Game: 6.6
• Rebounds Per Game: 2.2
• Assists Per Game: 0.6
• Field Goal %: 45
• Three Point%: 36
• Free Throw %: 70
• Player Efficiency Rating: 9.3

Oklahoma City Thunder Regular Season Grade: D+

McDermott's post-acquisition performance featured a jumble of starts and stops. Attained by GM Presti to add vital floor-spacing for Russell Westbrook, McDermott's seasonal numbers casually declined throughout his 22-games with OKC.

The 6'8 forward underwent a per-36 minute downturn in every major statistical category, after being dealt.

Naturally, Westbrook’s ball-dominant style, combined with the post All-Star break emergence of Alex Abrines contributed to McDermott’s -3.6 scoring avg and -2.9 FGA drop as a Thunder.

Further, while assuming an expected bench role, McDermott occasionally sparked Oklahoma City’s offense, though defensive struggles limited OKC’s newest wing-piece to 18.6 mpg —exactly five fewer minutes per game than he enjoyed pre-trade.

During a tentative acclimation, McDermott saw less than 15 minutes in ten of his 22 regular-season appearances with Oklahoma City. McDermott stumbled to a -9.1 NetRtg and team-worst 117.6 DefRtg over his final 15 games.

Post-Season Grade: D+

Limited to 13.6 MPG vs. Houston, McDermott nonetheless proffered a solid 50/53 FG/3PM shooting line: including two-made three-pointers in OKC’s game three win. However, as during the regular season, McDermott’s offensive contributions were overshadowed by porous (118.8 DefRtg) defense.

Future Expectations:

Entering a summer of financial strain, McDermott has one economical year remaining on his existing contract. By virtue of this, McDermott’s future role with OKC might expand as the team could lose both Andre Roberson and Jerami Grant during the off-season.

If this scenario were to unfold, McDermott would likely assume starting responsibilities at the three.

However, unless McDermott improves defensively, in terms of Net value, increased minutes for the former Creighton star would represent a stark downgrade from what Roberson offers.

Ultimately, McDermott’s sub-plot within Oklahoma City’s larger salary-cap frame work will be an interesting summer development for Thunder Nation.

Most Notable Game/Moment: 3/9/17 vs. San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City’s trade-deadline sniper showcased his finest as the Thunder claimed its premiere regular-season win vs. SAS. McDermott finished with an efficient 11 points during 21 minutes of action.