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Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Jan. 25 Chicago Bulls

By Andrew Snyder

Jan 23, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) celebrates a play with guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the third quarter of their game against the LA Clippers at Philips Arena. The Clippers won 115-105. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) celebrates a play with guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the third quarter of their game against the LA Clippers at Philips Arena. The Clippers won 115-105. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott (11) reacts after he makes a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott (11) reacts after he makes a three pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Opposing Player To Watch: Doug McDermott

No, I’m not crazy. Jimmy Butler is Chicago’s best player, so he’s always the player to watch, but hear me out. Butler had 19 points on 6-for-8 shooting last week against the Hawks. He was remarkably efficient, but Kent Bazemore and Thabo Sefolosha defended him well. Sometimes keeping a player from shooting makes nearly the same impact as forcing a missed shot. That doesn’t quite add up, but let’s go with it.

You know about Butler. You might not know about Doug McDermott. I like to call him Kyle Korver Jr. I wonder if they say “Creighton forever” to each other whenever they lock eyes in public? Anyway, McDermott is important to the Bulls for one simple reason. This team can’t shoot.

The Bulls are the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA, shooting just 31.6 percent from outside. They’re in desperate need of someone, anyone, to space the floor. McDermott is shooting 35.7 percent from three-point range, after shooting 42.5 percent from deep last season. They’d desperately like to see his percentages creep back into that 40 percent area.

If he’s knocking down shots that opens up the lane for Rajon Rondo, Michael Carter-Williams, Jerian Grant, or whichever poor shooting point guard the Bulls have captaining their bench unit. McDermott would look great in a Hawks uniform, but I can’t think about that right now.

Right now, the Bulls need him to make shots.

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