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Indiana Pacers Love/Hate Series: Doug McDermott

By Ryan Eggers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 8: Doug McDermott #20 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 8, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 8: Doug McDermott #20 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 8, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Doug McDermott Carmelo Anthony Indiana Pacers New York Knicks Oklahoma City Thunder
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action against Doug McDermott #20 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 16, 2017, in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Thunder 111-96. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Doug McDermott’s role for the upcoming season

McDermott has one of clearest roles on the team for 2018-19. Get out there for around 20-25 minutes a game, keep the defense anxious about the perimeter for every second you’re on offense, and drain some threes. If he does that an elite level, he’ll have an excellent season and will be a key factor in the Indiana Pacers’ playoff hopes.

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He may get cold at times, and will almost certainly make a few infuriating plays on defense this year. But if he stays sharp enough to space the floor when the bench unit is out, his contract will be more than worth it.

It’s a long time coming for McDermott to finally see a team that will embrace his talents. Fizzled hype and trades have been his claim to fame so far in his journey, but he possesses the most important skill in the modern NBA. If his defensive game could get a little bit of attention as well, McDermott could really shine in the blue and gold.

Don’t expect an Oladipo or Sabonis-esque leap – McDermott is older than both and went to college for four years, so there likely isn’t a significant improvement on the horizon for him. But he brings legit talent to the bench and will likely be young enough and good enough from deep to remain useful for the Pacers throughout his contract (cough cough, Monta Ellis and Rodney Stuckey).

Next. Victor Oladipo takes the Indiana Pacers to Miami. dark

Pritchard and Co. were obviously excited to get him as their first free agent haul of 2018. In a couple short months, everyone else will see if they made the right bet. Doug McDermott will be a fun guy to watch for the Indiana Pacers.

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