Chicago Bulls news: Which player steps up in Mike Dunleavy’s absence?

Jul 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott (3) looks on during a stoppage in play of an NBA Summer League game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, rookie Doug McDermott struggled to routinely crack the rotation, and his performance suffered as a result. Former head coach Tom Thibodeau played McDermott for an average of 8.9 minutes per game during the 2014-2015 season. At the beginning of December, McDermott suffered a knee injury that required an arthroscopic procedure which further stunted his rookie campaign. After returning to action on Jan. 22, McDermott averaged 1.2 and 2.2 minutes of playing time in the months of January and February, respectively.

Rhythm shooting is a large part of McDermott’s game, so the inconsistent minutes throughout the duration of the season prevented him from consistently finding his shooting stroke. This season, especially since Dunleavy will miss significant time with his injury, presents an opportunity for McDermott to crack the regular rotation and contribute to this team on an everyday basis. In many ways, McDermott has received the perfect setup for success in his sophomore season in the NBA. It all starts with the offensive scheme that new head coach Fred Hoiberg will bring to this team.

Today’s Fastbreak writer Kelly Scaletta conducted an interview last May with college basketball expert Randy Sherman to find out what the Bull’s will look like under new head coach Fred Hoiberg. Among other things, Sherman said that Doug McDermott will be one of the players that benefits most from the new system that Hoiberg will employ.

"Of course I know of Doug McDermott! Hoiberg being hired by the Bulls would be the best thing to happen to McDermott’s professional career. I recall saying once to a coaching colleague that if every player played like McDermott, college basketball would be infinitely more entertaining. His movement away from the ball and ability to read defenders is lovely to watch. I’m not an avid NBA watcher, so I really cannot comment on why he hasn’t played much for Chicago to this point. I do believe that Hoiberg would find many ways to utilize McDermott. He’s the type of versatile and highly skilled player Hoiberg loves. In general, Hoiberg has a shooting wing (Naz Long) and more of a slashing wing (Bryce Dejean-Jones) on the floor together. He uses “Pistol” action and dribble handoffs for the slashers. He mainly spaces shooters opposite of high and wing ball screens. McDermott is adept at using pin downs and flare screens. He can read defenders and curl and catch-and-shoot off screens that don’t involve the ball. I see Hoiberg using this skill as a weapon. —-Content created by college basketball expert Randy Sherman"

If McDermott can’t contribute under Hoiberg’s offensive system, which caters directly to his strengths, his career in the NBA likely won’t amount to much. The Bulls have given him a perfect situation; it is squarely up to him to make the most of the opportunity. Dunleavy’s injury provides him with a definite spot in the rotation, at least at the beginning of the season. It is now or never for Mr. Doug McDermott.

McDermott’s inexperience makes him a bad candidate for taking Dunleavy’s starting small forward spot. However, he is a dynamic scorer at times and could serve the Bulls well coming off the bench and providing an offensive spark when needed.