Indiana Pacers salary series: Doug McDermott

What do I think comes next for McDermott financially?

Personally, I would guess that McDermott’s next contract is about the same as his current one.

From age 22 to 26, McDermott made the improvements you want youthful players to make (general positioning and keeping up with the game). But his improvements in key skill areas were lacking outside of his shooting, and I am skeptical he takes a major step forward in any important areas over the next three seasons.

His defense will probably only marginally improve, his cutting probably won’t substantially improve, and it is unlikely his ball handling and shot creation get much better. Because of this, 29-year-old McDermott seems like he will be approximately the same player as 26-year-old McDermott.

All that being said leads me to believe that 29-year-old McDermott receives another three-year deal around $25 million. Who knows if it will be with the Pacers or someone else.

With Doug McDermott, you know exactly what you are getting. He’s an awesome shooter and smart player, he’s just too ground bound to be a monumental difference maker. He is paid fairly for his skills and should help improve the bench offense for the Indiana Pacers this coming season.