A Closer Look At What Taj Gibson & Doug McDermott Bring To The Thunder

<p>With the Thunder acquiring both Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott from the Bulls at the trade deadline, here's a look at how each player will fit in with OKC. </p>

Friday, February 24th 2017, 5:26 pm

By: Brett Coppenbarger

A Closer Look At What Taj Gibson & Doug McDermott Bring To The Thunder

Thunder GM Sam Presti didn’t let the trade deadline pass without getting in on the action, as he sent Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow and Joffrey Lauvergne to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott and an unprotected second round pick.

With OKC heading into the second half of the season with some new pieces, here’s a look at what each player brings to the roster:

Taj Gibson

While he may not be on the same level as Blake Griffin or other all-star power forwards, Gibson is one of the more reliable fours in the entire league and provides the Thunder with a talented veteran post player.

Not only is he a tremendous pick and roll defender, but Gibson is averaging 11.6 points and seven rebounds this season while starting every game for the Bulls. He’s known for his gritty style of play, and should fit nicely alongside Steven Adams and Andre Roberson in the frontcourt.

Joining chorus to say Taj Gibson is one of the most honest, selfless, upbeat and accessible Bulls I've ever covered.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 23, 2017

Along with his skill, Gibson will be valuable to the Thunder’s locker room environment. In his eighth NBA season, Gibson has a reputation of being a pro’s pro, which should be beneficial for the growth of a mostly young Thunder roster. Even though he’ll likely take away some minutes away from Domantas Sabonis, the rookie will benefit from being around Gibson on a daily basis.

Here's new Thunder PF Taj Gibson on the trade to OKC and his connection with Russell Westbrook. Thanks to WBBM's @KristaCBS2 for the assist pic.twitter.com/X5JhPqgLBq
— Brad Galbreath (@bradgalbreath) February 24, 2017

It makes the most sense for Billy Donovan to slot Gibson into the starting lineup, but even if he doesn’t, Gibson will log heavy minutes on a nightly basis and undoubtedly helps improve the OKC roster.

Doug McDermott

After a decorated college career at Creighton where he won 2014 National Player of the Year honors, McDermott is averaging 10.2 points in his third year as a pro. Seeing the Thunder is the second worst 3-point shooting team in the league, McDermott provides the Thunder with a much-needed floor spacer who still has plenty of room to improve.

I've always seen McDermott as Kyle Korver Lite. But the book is his "utter lack of D" separates from KK. Still like trade #Thunder @nwes9
— Dean Blevins (@DeanBlevins) February 23, 2017

After shooting nearly 43-percent from 3-point range last season, McDermott’s average has dropped a bit this year to 37-percent, but part of that can be blamed on the players he had around him. McDermott never had a point guard like Russell Westbrook setting him up in Chicago, so it’ll be interesting to see what “Dougie McBuckets” can do with all the extra shooting space he’ll have in OKC.

Thunder GM Sam Presti assesses his team after making a deal to bring in Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott from the Bulls. #News9Thunder pic.twitter.com/OBJOordvwI
— Lee Benson (@LeeBensonNews9) February 24, 2017

With Roberson locked in as the starting small forward, look for McDermott to be one of the first or second players off the bench for the Thunder.

Here's new Thunder PF Taj Gibson on the trade to OKC and his connection with Russell Westbrook. Thanks to WBBM's @KristaCBS2 for the assist pic.twitter.com/X5JhPqgLBq
— Brad Galbreath (@bradgalbreath) February 24, 2017

Doug McDermott

I've always seen McDermott as Kyle Korver Lite. But the book is his "utter lack of D" separates from KK. Still like trade #Thunder @nwes9
— Dean Blevins (@DeanBlevins) February 23, 2017

Thunder GM Sam Presti assesses his team after making a deal to bring in Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott from the Bulls. #News9Thunder pic.twitter.com/OBJOordvwI
— Lee Benson (@LeeBensonNews9) February 24, 2017

With Roberson locked in as the starting small forward, look for McDermott to be one of the first or second players off the bench for the Thunder.

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With the Thunder acquiring both Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott from the Bulls at the trade deadline, here's a look at how each player will fit in with OKC.

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