McDermott, Kings explains why he is a perfect system fit originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
It didn’t last long Kings forward Doug McDermott to adjust to his new home in Sacramento.
McDermott, who agreed to a one-year contract with the team Wednesday, explained to reporters Friday why he believes he will fit well in coach Mike Brown’s detailed offense.
“I love to shoot, I love to play fast,” McDermott said (h/t Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan). “I mean, I love cutting. That’s all we do here. It’s a perfect system, and everybody’s always moving. It’s one of those deals where you really can’t go wrong. If you stand, you probably do something wrong. Just keep moving and pressure the defense.”
McDermott, 32, shot 47 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range during his 10-year career.
He helps Sacramento in two areas the team needs — size and shooting.
And Brown’s offense in particular, which has been top five in the NBA in 3-pointers made over the past two seasons, will certainly work McDermott’s shooting ability to its advantage.
“Sure, yeah,” McDermott said when asked if he would have the green light to shoot. “It’s one of those systems where they want to shoot a lot of 3s, [and] they want to play fast. That’s my game. I feel like I can’t make a lot of mistakes out there as long as I’m being aggressive, making the defense work for things and providing space for some of these superstars.
“That’s my role in the NBA. And I love being a part of it here.”
Brown confirmed that McDermott has a “neon” green light, and he told reporters that he believes the veteran forward could also help space the floor.
“With the way we spray it and the way we touch the paint, I think he’s going to have easier looks, which will be very good for us,” Brown said. “And if he’s not getting easier looks, that means they’re guarding him that way (very closely), which will create more space for the rest of our guys.”
The Kings star guard is excited to have another veteran presence and looks forward to seeing how McDermott helps make a scoring impact.
McDermott played four seasons with the Indiana Pacers alongside new Kings teammate Domantas Sabonis. He knows better than anyone how unique a player Sabonis is, and he will quickly learn how the star center is the vessel of Sacramento’s offense.
“That helps a lot, yeah,” McDermott said of his relationship with Sabonis. “Obviously, just playing with him already, kind of knowing how he likes to play; also, [Kings center] Alex Len, guys like that who can really pass the ball. Just being here, all they need, just to effect a gain; isn’t that playing, being thrown out there and having to shoot a bunch of 3s, whenever my number is called, I’m going to be ready.”
