In a move that signals the Sacramento Kings' commitment to bolstering their offense, free agent sharpshooter Doug McDermott has agreed to a one-year contract with the team. This signing, announced by ESPN's Shams Charania, marks a significant addition to the Kings' roster as they prepare for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Doug McDermott's NBA Journey
Doug McDermott, affectionately known as 'Dougie McBuckets,' has been a staple in the NBA for over a decade. The 32-year-old forward has played for several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs.
McDermott was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2014 and has since established himself as one of the league's most reliable three-point shooters. He holds a career three-point shooting percentage of 41%, making him a valuable asset for any team looking to improve its perimeter shooting.
Recent Season and Trade History
Last season was a bit of a rollercoaster for McDermott. He split time between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers. With the Spurs, he averaged 5.5 points per game on 41% shooting from beyond the arc over 14.1 minutes per game. After being traded to the Pacers in a three-team deal that sent Buddy Hield to the Philadelphia 76ers, McDermott appeared in just 18 games for Indiana, averaging 4.2 points in 11.3 minutes.
Despite his reduced role in Indiana, McDermott's shooting prowess remained consistent. His ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting makes him an attractive signing for any team looking to bolster its bench.
The Sacramento Kings' Roster and Needs
The Sacramento Kings have been actively addressing their roster needs this offseason. After trading forward Jalen McDaniels to the San Antonio Spurs, they have created space to add another reliable shooter like McDermott.
The Kings are already loaded with offensive firepower, featuring players like DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and De'Aaron Fox. However, their three-point shooting has been a concern, as they ranked 16th in the league last season with a 36.6% three-point shooting percentage.
Adding McDermott to their roster should help alleviate this issue. His presence will provide another threat from beyond the arc, allowing the Kings to maintain a balanced attack and potentially improve their overall shooting efficiency.
McDermott's Role with the Sacramento Kings
While McDermott's role with the Kings is not yet fully defined, it is likely that he will slot into the second unit alongside players like Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, and Trey Lyles. This group has shown promise in the preseason, and with McDermott's addition, they could become an even more formidable unit.
McDermott's experience playing with Domantas Sabonis in Oklahoma City and Indiana will also be beneficial. The two have a history of working well together, with Sabonis often providing screens for McDermott to shoot from.
Impact on the Team's Playoff Aspirations
The Sacramento Kings narrowly missed the playoffs last season after finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. This offseason, they have made significant moves to improve their chances of returning to the postseason.
With DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis leading the charge, the Kings are poised to make a strong push for a playoff spot. McDermott's addition will provide an extra layer of depth and shooting ability that could be crucial in close games.
While McDermott may not play a major role like DeRozan or Sabonis, his ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting will be invaluable. He can help the Kings maintain a high level of offense even when their top players are not on the court.
Upcoming Games and Schedule
The Sacramento Kings will conclude their preseason schedule on Thursday night when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome. This game will be a crucial test for the team as they prepare for the regular season.
The regular season begins on October 24th with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Kings will face their former teammate, Buddy Hield, in this game, which promises to be an exciting matchup.
Fans can catch all the action on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 2:00 PM PDT. The game tips off at 7:00 PM PDT from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
The Kings will face their former teammate, Buddy Hield, in this game, which promises to be an exciting matchup. The Kings will also face the Pacers twice this season, with the first game scheduled for December 22 in Sacramento and the second matchup on March 31 in Indiana.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Doug McDermott's signing with the Sacramento Kings marks a significant addition to their roster. His experience, shooting ability, and familiarity with teammates like Domantas Sabonis make him an excellent fit for the team. As the Kings prepare for another competitive season, McDermott's presence will undoubtedly contribute to their efforts to return to the playoffs.
Fans can look forward to seeing McDermott's impact on the court, especially in his matchups against his former team, the Indiana Pacers. The signing of McDermott is a testament to the Kings' commitment to building a well-rounded roster that can compete at the highest level in the NBA.
