Professional basketball journeyman and sharpshooting specialist Doug McDermott retires from the NBA after a remarkable 12-season career that spanned across several premier franchises, cementing his legacy as one of the game's elite perimeter threats. His representative, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, officially confirmed the retirement decision, bringing a definitive close to a professional journey that began with unprecedented collegiate dominance at Creighton University.
As basketball enthusiasts and analysts process this major career shift, trending search queries like Doug McDermott career stats, Creighton basketball legend, Doug McDermott teams played for, and Doug McDermott three point percentage have surged across search engines as fans look back at his enduring hardwood impact.
A Historic Collegiate Rise at Creighton
Long before he became a reliable role player on basketball's grandest stage, McDermott was a household name in collegiate athletics. During his stellar four-year tenure with the Creighton Bluejays from 2010 to 2014, he authored one of the most prolific scoring resumes in NCAA history. He spearheaded three consecutive NCAA tournament berths and helped establish Creighton as a powerhouse, with the program securing at least 23 victories in every single season of his collegiate career.
His individual accolades remain legendary. McDermott earned consensus first-team All-American honors in three straight years and captured the consensus National Player of the Year award as a senior after leading the entire country with an astonishing 26.7 points per game. Recognizing his monumental contributions, Creighton permanently retired his iconic No. 3 jersey in December 2023, cementing his status as an immortal figure in college basketball lore.
Navigating the NBA Draft and Finding a Niche
Transitioning from college superstar to the professional ranks is rarely seamless, yet McDermott carved out a commendable longevity. Selected 11th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2014 NBA Draft, his draft rights were immediately dealt to the Chicago Bulls, where he launched his professional career. While early expectations carried the heavy burden of his college stardom, McDermott quickly adapted his game to become a high-value floor spacer.
Over the next decade, his exceptional shooting gravity made him a coveted asset for front offices seeking perimeter floor-spacing. His career journey saw him suit up for a diverse array of organizations, including the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, and Sacramento Kings.
Key Takeaways From Doug McDermott's Career
- Elite Marksmanship: McDermott finished his career shooting an incredible 41.0 percent from beyond the arc, securing the 22nd-best all-time three-point field goal percentage in NBA history.
- Draft Night Acclaim: Selected 11th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by Denver before being traded to the Chicago Bulls.
- Prolific Longevity: Played 12 seasons across 726 career regular-season games, averaging 8.5 points and 2.1 rebounds.
- Creighton Immortality: Won consensus National Player of the Year in 2014 and had his No. 3 jersey retired by Creighton in December 2023.
- Final Stint: Concluded his professional playing days during the 2025-26 NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, playing his final game on April 12.
The Evolution of the Stretch Four Role
McDermott's professional longevity underscores the evolving tactical demands of modern basketball. As the NBA shifted heavily toward pace-and-space offenses predicated on three-point volume, players with McDermott's specific shooting profile became invaluable. Although he transitioned from a primary offensive option in college to a specialist off the bench in the pros, his basketball IQ, quick release, and cutting ability allowed him to sustain a productive career well past a decade.
His final campaign with the Sacramento Kings during the 2025-26 season featured 29 appearances off the bench, culminating in his final professional outing on April 12. Across 726 career games, he averaged 8.5 points and 2.1 rebounds, numbers that fail to fully capture the defensive gravity he commanded every time he stepped beyond the three-point line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Doug McDermott play for during his NBA career?
Doug McDermott played for the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, and Sacramento Kings throughout his 12 seasons.
What was Doug McDermott's career three-point shooting percentage?
He retired with an elite career three-point percentage of 41.0 percent, which places him 22nd on the NBA's all-time leaderboard for accuracy from beyond the arc.
What are Doug McDermott's most notable college achievements?
At Creighton University, he was a three-time consensus first-team All-American, led the nation in scoring in 2014 with 26.7 points per game, won consensus National Player of the Year, and had his No. 3 jersey retired.