As the trade deadline approaches with relentless speed, the San Antonio Spurs are at a pivotal juncture, wrestling with the destiny of Spurs’ veteran Doug McDermott, a battle-hardened warrior standing as the team’s elder statesman at the age of 32.
Spurs’ Veteran Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Trade Deadline Storm
Gregg Popovich and the Spurs are well aware of McDermott’s prowess on the court, his wealth of experience, and his integral role in the team’s otherwise youthful and vibrant locker room. A few months ago, McDermott expressed his joy at being the team’s elder statesman, emphasizing his commitment to being a guiding force.
“It feels great to be the old guy,” McDermott remarked about his distinctive role on a team focused on development. “I’m just trying my best to be a good leader.”
True to his words, McDermott has been a steady and wise presence, offering valuable insights after defeats and making significant contributions to the community during the Spurs’ “Season of Giving” in December. However, the harsh reality is that, given his age, he might be on the chopping block as a potential buyout candidate in the coming weeks.
Bleacher Report has thrown its hat into the ring, asserting that the Spurs must prioritize maintaining as much shooting as possible around rising star Victor Wembanyama. While McDermott’s shooting accuracy has taken a dip recently, he still boasts a commendable 44 percent success rate from beyond the arc for the season.
Nevertheless, the question lingers – does the 32-year-old McDermott align with the Spurs’ grander vision?
Throughout the season, the Spurs have tinkered with various lineups and rotations, experimenting with different players in different roles. McDermott, a small forward, finds himself behind Cedi Osman and Julian Champagnie in the pecking order. Despite his unique skill set and high 3-point percentage, the burning question remains whether he can maintain consistency and longevity.
Coach Popovich, a seasoned figure in his own right, acknowledges McDermott’s value to the team. “We all know what he is,” Popovich commented last season. “He’s a guy that can shoot the 3. He moves really well without the basketball. He knows how to play, and he’s a great teammate.”
In his third season with San Antonio, McDermott has averaged 5.9 points, shooting at an impressive 44 percent in just 15 minutes per game. The Spurs now face three possible scenarios regarding McDermott’s future.
The first scenario involves retaining him, leveraging his experience for bench offense and leadership, much like his current role this season. The other two scenarios, however, are less optimistic. As Wembanyama ascends to stardom, the Spurs may find themselves in need of a star player through trades or free agency. Bringing in such talent is an appealing prospect, but there’s no rush this season, leaving the door open for the Spurs to retain McDermott beyond the trade deadline, letting him go with the remaining guaranteed money on his contract.
Despite McDermott’s positive impact on both the team and the locker room, the Spurs face a dilemma. With a burgeoning star on their roster and ample room for growth, making a basketball-centric decision may be the pragmatic choice, even if it comes at McDermott’s expense.
The clock is ticking as the trade season unfolds, and only time will reveal which path the Spurs choose.
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