Fred Hoiberg isn’t going to come to mind when the discussion of best shooters is being debated, but he sure made a good career from shooting behind the arc. Hoiberg shot 39.6% from behind the arc throughout his 10 year career.
“He was such a good shooter in the NBA. Anything I learn from him — he played in the league for 10 years — I’ll take it. I just want to stay aggressive,My shot up top I feel always has been the same, but it’s a longer 3-point shot in the NBA and it’s all about your base. (Hoiberg) really works on your feet and how to keep them square. That helps me get the shot off quicker.” – Doug McDermott on Hoiberg
McDermott has come off to a hot start in the preseason as he’s shot 7-15 three-pointers in his first two games off the bench. McDermott has walked into a system that has given him full immunity to shoot whenever he pleases.
“The big thing is just getting Doug’s rhythm right going into his shot. Sometimes he catches the ball right on the line and rises up to shoot. There are not a lot of guys who can shoot that (way). So we’ve worked on getting a rhythm step going into a shot and then, as that ball comes, you’re starting to work your way into the shot. He shoots it so easy. It’s just about rhythm.” – Fred Hoiberg on McDermott
“If Doug has confidence, he’s going to be a bitch in this league because he can really shoot the hell out of the ball. I always tell Doug, ‘Don’t be afraid to keep shooting. You’re a shooter.'”
Doug McDermott is showing that he’s more of a crafty player than a shooter. Everybody knows he can hit the open jump-shot, but he’s showing his ability to score around the rim despite being the most athletic player on the court. Hoiberg often ran plays for McDermott to post up the opponent, which seems like it’ll be a familiar play for the Bulls moving forward. McDermott’s fadeaway off the wrong foot resembles Dirk Nowitzki’s, which makes him almost unguardable if he begins to make those shots.
