Do the Chicago Bulls Have a Role Left for Doug McDermott This Season?

Chicago Bulls rookie Doug McDermott, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, should return to the lineup soon. But when he does, will there be any minutes available for him?

McDermott was ruled out indefinitely on Dec. 1. He then underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a small meniscus tear in his right knee on Dec. 13.

The 6'8" forward has been practicing with the team, and Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said he's close to returning, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. 

“He’s pretty close,’’ Thibodeau said. “Doing just about everything on the court now. Right now we just want to make sure the next day he’s fine. But he’s pretty close.’’

McDermott has appeared in 17 games this season, averaging 3.2 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting from the field and 23.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in last June's NBA draft (11th overall), McDermott was immediately traded to Chicago for a pair of first-rounders: Jusuf Nurkic (16th) and Gary Harris (19th).

He, of course, entered this season with much fanfare following a legendary career at Creighton University. The sharpshooter finished as the fifth-leading scorer in Division I history with an astounding 3,150 points.

During his senior year, he averaged 26.7 points while shooting 52.6 percent from the field and 44.9 percent from three-point land. And for his efforts, he took home the 2014 Naismith Men's College National Player of the Year award.

McDermott was supposed to have a solid rookie year for the Bulls, providing lights-out shooting and scoring off the bench. But that obviously hasn't come to fruition just yet.

Better Luck Next Year?

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At the end of every baseball season, Chicago Cubs fans use the phrase, "Wait till next year." That's what McDermott may have to do.

Missing a ton of games, he's way behind the learning curve, which isn't a good thing. And it's definitely not a good thing when you're trying to learn a demanding system like Thibodeau's.

Fellow Bulls rookie Nikola Mirotic is having a great campaign, and can play both forward spots. The Montenegrin big man, who averages 18 minutes per game, is unlikely to see his playing time decrease. So that means it'll be tough for McDermott to find minutes.

Perhaps Thibodeau won't use McDermott much this season and then give him a larger role next year.

This method certainly worked for Jimmy Butler. As a rookie in 2011-12, Butler played just 8.5 minutes a night. His role increased dramatically the following season, as his minutes tripled to 26 per game.

Mike Dunleavy, Chicago's current starting small forward, will become a free agent next summer. It's possible that the Bulls will let him walk like they've done with other free agents in the past like Marco Belinelli and Nate Robinson.

If that happens, McDermott could get a better opportunity to play next season.   

Give Him Some Playing Time, He'll Come Around

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Although he has played less than 20 games, McDermott is already seen as a bust in the eyes of some fans. People believe the Bulls made a huge mistake by acquiring him, especially since Nurkic has emerged as the Nuggets' starting center.    

However, no one should be considered a bust when they haven't played many games.

Maybe his knee was the reason for his disappointing start to the season. And perhaps adjusting to NBA life has a lot to do with it. 

Per Cowley, McDermott spoke about going from a superstar in college to a role player on a title contender:     

"

It’s tough. I came from being a really good college player at Creighton, playing 40 minutes a game, so it’s tough. But it’s an adjustment, part of being on a really good team. I understand that. It’s tough for me and some of the other guys, but we have to realize we are fighting for a championship, and this will be good in the long run for me.

The Bulls haven't looked so hot recently, losing four of their last five contests. Two of those losses were against rebuilding teams: the Utah Jazz on January 7 and the Orlando Magic (January 12).

"

You never know, McDermott's addition to the lineup could help jump-start the team and get them back to their winning ways.   

While he struggled before the injury, McDermott could end up finding his shooting stroke and give the Bulls the outside-shooting weapon they were looking for when they brought him to town. All Thibodeau has to do is give him playing time to find out.    

McDermott has had a couple of decent performances this season. For instance, his debut against the New York Knicks (Oct. 29) was pretty impressive, as he recorded 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. He also hit five of his nine field-goal attempts, including a pair of threes. In addition, McDermott put up 12 against the Orlando Magic as well on Nov. 4.   

He has the potential to be a quality player. Don't write this guy off just yet. But do the Bulls have a role left for "Dougie McBuckets" this season? It remains to be seen.      

All stats are from Basketball-Reference.com and accurate as of January 16.