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Pacers Season Reviews: Doug McDermott finds his spots on the floor

By Jordan Brandenburg

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Doug McDermott shoots the ball for the Indiana Pacers
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 14: Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics during Game One of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 14, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

McDermott’s shooting defines his season

You don’t earn the nickname ‘McBuckets’ without being able to consistently knock down baskets around the arc. McDermott’s 40.4% career three-point percentage ranks 13th among active players. Despite his knack for draining deep shots, McDermott’s finishing around the basket and advanced metrics were telling in how he was able to find high-quality shot attempts.

If a teammate drove and couldn’t find a satisfactory shot, they had the option to pass it back out to McDermott for a good look at a three, especially if his defender had collapsed toward the ball.

In fact, McBuckets had the ball in his hand for less than two seconds in over eighty-five percent of his field goal attempts. His skill for converting on these quick shots allowed for expanded floor spacing that other players could take advantage of by driving into the basket or dishing the ball into paint.

67.8% of his field goals attempted didn’t involve him dribbling the ball; he was either open enough to like his look- he buried 55% of his attempts when a defender was within four feet – or he could pump fake his man to find a wide open look. He drained 51% of his catch-and-shoot threes.

Out of the 209 shots that McDermott buried, only ten of them came unassisted. Every made three-pointer, floater, and McDunk came off a pass from a teammate. This is a testament to his ability to be in the right spot on the floor. While he can’t be relied on to consistently create shot-attempts for himself, his spacing ability and reputation make him very valuable to the Pacers offense when he’s knocking down shots.

As discussed earlier in the year, McDermott’s finishing ability around the rim was possibly more impressive than his long-range shooting. He made 65.3% of his attempts that were within ten feet of the basket and finished at the rim at a 68% rate.

Although he shot well from deep overall, he had trouble knocking down threes in Bankers Life Fieldhouse. His 49.1% three-point shooting in away games led the league (min. 15 road GP). At home, his 31.3% shooting from behind the arc ranked ninth on the team; the distinct discrepancy between his home and away shooting percentage this year will remain a mystery.

So, were McDermott’s contributions adequate enough to warrant a return next season?

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