Is Doug McDermott This Good?

[Tugg Speedman]

This week's SI cover was modeled after the Larry Bird 1977 cover.



The implication is "McBuckets" is this good.  Is he?

Why does Christian Lattner, Danny Ferry, Keith Van Horn, Tyler Hansborough, JJ Reddick, Adam Morrison, Andrew Bogut, and Jimmer Ferdette come to mind?  These "traditionals" were just as heralded as McBuckets and none of which were as good as Larry Bird at the next level.  Why is McBuckets different?

[MUSF]

Are you asking if Doug McDermott is as good as Larry Bird?

Uhhh, no.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Why are you calling them traditionals?

[oldwarrior81]

more importantly, here's the link to the Al McGuire interview noted on the Larry Bird cover.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093067/index.htm

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Why are you calling them traditionals?

BAM!

[warriorchick]

Um, maybe because they thought this cover would sell magazines.

[rocket surgeon]

high school and college level players could learn a lot by watching mcdermott and how he moves without the ball.  the instincts and shooting you can't teach.  we can't spring jake for 5 good shots a game due to defensive pressure.  buckets is a guy that teams focus on game in and game out and he still scores 30.  i understand he's 6'7", but still...

[MUSF]

high school and college level players could learn a lot by watching mcdermott and how he moves without the ball.  the instincts and shooting you can't teach.  we can't spring jake for 5 good shots a game due to defensive pressure.  buckets is a guy that teams focus on game in and game out and he still scores 30.  i understand he's 6'7", but still...

You are way underselling the fact that he is a mismatch for almost anyone guarding him. I don't care how much Jake moves around, he will never have that advantage.

You are correct though, McDermott is a really smart player that always seems to find a way to exploit any opportunity the opposing D gives him.

[THRILLHO]

The implication is "McBuckets" is this good.  Is he?

Why does Christian Lattner, Danny Ferry, Keith Van Horn, Tyler Hansborough, JJ Reddick, Adam Morrison, Andrew Bogut, and Jimmer Ferdette come to mind?  These "traditionals" were just as heralded as McBuckets and none of which were as good as Larry Bird at the next level.  Why is McBuckets different?

Dont forget what i think might be the best actual comparison: Wally Sczerbiak!

[MU82]

Dont forget what i think might be the best actual comparison: Wally Sczerbiak!

Sczerbiak is a good comparison. Also, to try to get away from the traditional thing, I was thinking McDermott is Glen Rice-ish.

I think people forget sometimes how much more Bird did than shoot. He was not just a good rebounder and passer; he was a great rebounder and an astounding passer.

Just as there hasn't really been a "next Michael Jordan," there truly hasn't been a "next Larry Bird." Durant is close, but he's not the all-around player Bird was. I say this as a guy who grew up hating the Celtics!

[Tugg Speedman]

The traditional thing is because SI reached back 37 years ago to recreate the Larry Bird cover.  They did not look to recreate a Glen Rice or Kevin Durant cover.

[Atticus]

Isn't this a regional cover?

[downtown85]

more importantly, here's the link to the Al McGuire interview noted on the Larry Bird cover.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093067/index.htm

Wow. thanks for sharing.  great read! 

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Adam Morrison.

[connie]

Joe Alexander

[barfolomew]

Good thing they didn't do that cover with Cleanthony Early.
Who knows what gesture those Wichita State cheerleaders would have been using...

[RushmoreAcademy]

Um, maybe because they thought this cover would sell magazines.

And 1!!!

[4everwarriors]

Spaceship croaker is correct. McDermott is fantastic and will translate to the pro game. Definite lottery pick. Looks like a Celtic for sure, a'ina?

[towncryer]

He's a defensive liability and he does...how do I put this...exaggerate contact that he encounters...but with that said, he's a great player.  It's already been nailed on the head...his movement without the ball is his biggest weapon. 

He's not as good as Larry, though.