Douglas Richard McDermott Bio
Douglas Richard McDermott (born January 3, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). McDermott was selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets before being traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night. Known for his exceptional shooting ability and basketball IQ, McDermott has built a reliable NBA career spanning over a decade while maintaining his reputation as one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball history. His journey from a high school star in Iowa to a seasoned NBA veteran exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his ability to adapt to the professional level.
Early Life and Background
McDermott was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where his father, Greg McDermott, served as an assistant coach for the University of North Dakota men’s basketball team. The family later relocated to Ames, Iowa, following Greg McDermott’s move to coach at Iowa State University. This early exposure to collegiate basketball through his father’s coaching career undoubtedly shaped McDermott’s understanding of the game and his aspirations.
McDermott attended Ames High School in Ames, Iowa, where he played alongside future NBA player Harrison Barnes. Together, McDermott and Barnes formed a dominant duo that led Ames High School to remarkable success, including winning 53 consecutive games during their junior and senior seasons and capturing consecutive Iowa state titles. As a senior, McDermott averaged 20.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, earning first-team All-State honors. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 225 pounds, he possessed the size and skill set that made him a highly regarded prospect at the high school level.
Despite his success, McDermott was considered a three-star recruit by ESPN.com and was listed as the No. 28 small forward in the nation in the class of 2010. He initially signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Northern Iowa, but his path changed when his father accepted the head coaching position at Creighton University, leading to McDermott’s release from his commitment so he could play for his father in college.
Path to Professional Basketball
McDermott’s collegiate career at Creighton University from 2010 to 2014 proved to be one of the most remarkable in college basketball history. As a freshman during the 2010-11 season, he started all 39 games and averaged 14.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He set a Missouri Valley Conference record for points by a freshman with 581 and became the first player since Cleo Littleton of Wichita State in 1954 to earn first-team all-conference honors as a freshman, also winning conference freshman and newcomer of the year awards.
His sophomore season in 2011-12 saw McDermott elevate his game to elite status. He earned first-team All-America honors and became Creighton’s first player to be honored by the NABC on its first-team All-America squad. McDermott was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, joining Booker Woodfox as the only Creighton players to win the award. He averaged 22.9 points per game, ranking third nationally, and set school records with 801 points, 307 field goals, and 48.6 percent shooting from three-point range in a single season.
During his junior year in 2012-13, McDermott ranked first in the nation in total points scored and second in points per game. He again earned first-team All-American honors and set both school and career scoring records. His senior season in 2013-14 marked the pinnacle of his college career, as he announced his return to Creighton despite being projected as a first-round NBA draft pick, demonstrating his commitment to completing his collegiate journey.
Douglas Richard McDermott Career
Chicago Bulls Era (2014–2017)
McDermott was selected 11th overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, who immediately traded him to the Chicago Bulls along with Anthony Randolph in exchange for two first-round picks and a future second-round selection. He signed his rookie scale contract with the Bulls on July 22, 2014, after impressing during the NBA Summer League where he averaged 18.0 points per game. McDermott made his NBA debut on October 29, 2014, recording 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in a win over the New York Knicks.
The transition to the NBA proved challenging for McDermott during his rookie season. He struggled over his first 17 games, averaging just 3.2 points on 42.3 percent shooting. A knee injury sustained in December 2014 required arthroscopic surgery on December 13, further limiting his development. He returned to action in January 2015 but continued to adjust to the professional level. The 2015-16 season brought renewed opportunities under new Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg, who gave McDermott increased minutes off the bench.
McDermott’s performance improved significantly during the 2015-16 season. He earned his first career start on November 5, 2015, scoring nine points in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. On February 19, 2016, he scored a career-high 30 points off the bench in a win over the Toronto Raptors. The following season, McDermott continued to contribute, recording his first career double-double with 17 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against Toronto on January 7, 2017, and followed with a career-high 31 points in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies on January 15, 2017.
Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks (2017–2018)
On February 23, 2017, McDermott was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with Taj Gibson and a second-round draft pick in exchange for three players. His time with the Thunder was brief but productive, as he recorded his highest-scoring game with the team on March 18, 2017, scoring 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, in a win over the Sacramento Kings. The trade marked McDermott’s introduction to the mobile phase of his career that would characterize his next several seasons.
On September 25, 2017, McDermott was traded to the New York Knicks as part of a deal that sent Enes Kanter to Oklahoma City in exchange for Carmelo Anthony. He made his Knicks debut on October 19, 2017, in the season opener against his former team, the Thunder, scoring four points in the loss. The Knicks tenure provided McDermott with an opportunity to play meaningful minutes in a major market, though the team underwent significant roster changes during his time there.
Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers (2018–2021)
McDermott’s career trajectory continued on February 8, 2018, when he was acquired by the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team trade. He made his Mavericks debut two days later, scoring eight points in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. While with Dallas, he received a qualifying offer that was later withdrawn, making him an unrestricted free agent. This led him to sign with the Indiana Pacers on July 6, 2018, on a three-year, $22 million contract that represented the largest deal of his career at that point.
McDermott’s time with the Pacers proved to be one of his most productive professional seasons. He became a consistent contributor, scoring a season-high 21 points on November 26, 2019, in a win over the Utah Jazz. On May 1, 2021, he tied his career high with 31 points while making a season-high six three-pointers in a dominant 152-95 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers years solidified McDermott’s reputation as a reliable three-point shooter and floor spacer in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs (2021–2024)
On August 8, 2021, McDermott joined the San Antonio Spurs via a sign-and-trade deal, agreeing to a three-year, $42 million contract. The move to San Antonio represented a new chapter, as he joined a team in transition with a mix of veteran players and young talent. McDermott continued to provide scoring and shooting from the forward positions, contributing to the Spurs’ system under the franchise’s established culture. However, his tenure was interrupted by injury when he suffered a right ankle injury on March 12, 2022, later diagnosed as a grade 3 ankle sprain that ended his season.
McDermott returned to contribute during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons with the Spurs, maintaining his role as a three-point shooting threat. On February 8, 2024, he was traded back to the Indiana Pacers in a three-team deal that sent Buddy Hield to the Philadelphia 76ers. His second stint with the Pacers allowed him to reunite with the organization where he had some of his best professional seasons.
Sacramento Kings (2024–Present)
On October 16, 2024, McDermott signed with the Sacramento Kings, joining a team with playoff aspirations in the Western Conference. The move to Sacramento provided McDermott with an opportunity to contribute to a competitive roster. On July 21, 2025, he re-signed with the Kings on a one-year, $3.6 million contract, demonstrating the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities as a veteran shooter and team player. His presence brings experience and consistency to the Kings’ frontcourt rotation.
Playing Style and Strengths
McDermott is primarily a small forward who can also play power forward, known throughout his career as a prolific outside shooter. His 6-foot-7 frame and excellent shooting mechanics allow him to stretch defenses and create spacing for his teammates. His basketball IQ, developed through years of playing under his father at Creighton, enables him to find open spaces on the court and make smart decisions with the ball. McDermott’s ability to score in multiple ways, including catch-and-shoot situations and off movement, has made him a valuable role player throughout his NBA career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, McDermott has achieved several notable milestones that highlight his scoring ability and consistency. His college career concluded with him ranking fifth on the all-time NCAA Division I scoring list with 3,150 points, surpassing basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird. He also set an NCAA record by scoring in double figures in 135 consecutive games and became one of only three players in NCAA men’s basketball history to record 3,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. In the NBA, he has multiple 30-point games and has established himself as a reliable three-point shooter capable of getting hot from beyond the arc.
Douglas Richard McDermott College Career Highlights
McDermott’s college career at Creighton University stands as one of the most decorated in the history of college basketball. Over four seasons from 2010 to 2014, he established numerous records and earned recognition as one of the premier players in the nation. His combination of scoring prowess, consistency, and basketball skills made him a dominant force at the collegiate level.
Creighton Bluejays Career
McDermott finished his college career with 3,150 points, ranking fifth in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history at the time of his graduation. He was named the consensus national player of the year in 2014, winning all major awards including the Wooden Award, Naismith Award, AP Player of the Year, NABC Award, USBWA Award, and Sporting News Player of the Year. He became the first player in 29 years to be named to the AP All-America first team three times and led the nation in scoring during his senior season with 26.7 points per game.
Throughout his college career, McDermott earned numerous conference honors, including being named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year twice (2012, 2013) before Creighton joined the Big East, where he won Big East Player of the Year in 2014. He was a three-time consensus first-team All-American from 2012 to 2014 and won the Lute Olson Award twice. His No. 3 jersey has been retired by the Creighton Bluejays, immortalizing his legacy at the school. Notably, during his senior season, McDermott relinquished his scholarship and became a walk-on after the team exceeded scholarship limits due to a teammate’s medical hardship case.
International Competition
Following his freshman season at Creighton, McDermott represented the United States at the 2011 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Riga, Latvia. He started all nine matches and averaged 11.3 points per game on 50.1 percent shooting and 6.1 rebounds per contest, ranking third on the team in both categories. The United States finished with a 7-2 record, placing fifth in the tournament. McDermott was also named to the 2014 USA Select Team on July 22, 2014, further demonstrating his standing as one of the top American players of his generation.
Douglas Richard McDermott Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
McDermott comes from a prominent basketball family, with his father, Greg McDermott, serving as a longtime college basketball coach. Greg McDermott has been the head coach at Creighton University since 2009, overseeing the program’s transition from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East and establishing the Bluejays as a consistent contender. This coaching background provided Douglas McDermott with unique access to basketball knowledge and mentorship from an early age, shaping his development as a player and his understanding of the game at both the collegiate and professional levels.
The father-son connection extended throughout McDermott’s formative years and college career. Greg McDermott coached Douglas at Creighton during his entire four-year collegiate career, a rare dynamic in high-level college basketball. This relationship, while unique, did not diminish McDermott’s accomplishments, as he earned every award and recognition based on his exceptional performance on the court. The McDermott family’s commitment to basketball represents a multi-generational dedication to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks McDermott’s second year with the Sacramento Kings following his mid-season addition to the roster in 2024. After signing with the Kings on October 16, 2024, and subsequently re-signing on a one-year contract in July 2025, McDermott has settled into a defined role within the team’s rotation. His veteran experience and shooting ability provide the Kings with a reliable option off the bench and in spot-starting situations when needed.
Throughout his career spanning more than a decade, McDermott has demonstrated the ability to contribute to winning teams while maintaining his identity as an elite shooter. His professionalism and work ethic have allowed him to remain effective despite the natural challenges that come with aging in a demanding professional sport. The Kings’ organization values his presence in the locker room and on the court, making him an integral part of their pursuit of playoff success in the Western Conference.
Looking ahead, McDermott continues to serve as a mentor to younger players while maintaining his commitment to excellence on the court. His journey from a small-town Iowa high school to NBA veteran exemplifies the persistence and dedication required to build a lasting professional career. As the 2025 season progresses, McDermott aims to help the Kings build momentum and compete for a playoff berth while continuing to contribute with his signature shooting and basketball intelligence.