San Antonio Spurs Season Preview: Doug McDermott Ready to Lead By Example

San Antonio Spurs forward Doug McDermott is the oldest player on the roster, but that doesn't mean his role is any less important, especially now that he has "something to play for."

Sitting in his parents' living room during the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, San Antonio Spurs forward Doug McDermott was all eyes and ears on Mark Tatum.

Tatum, the league's deputy commissioner, was the only person in Chicago who knew the exact fate of generational talent Victor Wembanyama, who was all-but officially set to become the NBA's next No. 1 pick. But then, he read off Charlotte's name.

The Hornets had just won the draft rights to the No. 2 overall pick, which in this particular lottery, was a disappointment because that meant something else was finalized. The Spurs were bringing home Wembanyama, and safe to say, McDermott was just as excited as every other San Antonio fan. 

"I literally sprinted around the house screaming," McDermott said. "Obviously, losing lear year kind of sucked to go through, but to see it pay off and reward us with Victor was pretty special." 

As special as it was, McDermott differed from the other screaming Spurs fans that night. He was 31 — the oldest player on San Antonio's roster — and still with one more year on his contract, but with Wembanyama, that one year suddenly meant more.

It meant he and his teammates was truly "playing for something." 

"These last two years have been more [about] development," McDermott said it's been great to see [my teammates] progress, but now it's time to win. That's our goal."

Mar 24, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Doug McDermott (17) reacts after making a three point shot during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena / © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, McDermott averaged 10.2 points and 2.2 rebounds, but retained his 40 percent shooting mark from behind the arc — his on-court specialty — to provide instant offense when the Spurs needed it. 

That mark was something that Gregg Popovich praised him for.

"We all know what he is," the veteran coach said. "He's a guy that can shoot the 3. He moves really well without the basketball. He knows how to play [and] he's a great teammate. Everybody took him very quickly ... he's been important."

But aside from his on-court talent, McDermott also sits in a unique position. With his age and experience, he's not only a strong shooter, but a strong leader too — something that he's completely embraced.

"It feels great to be the old guy," McDermott said. "I'm just trying my best to be a good leader." 

But it isn't just him spearheading that locker-room leadership charge. 

"We have such good leadership with coach Pop," McDermott explained. "I'm not the most vocal guy in the locker room. I try to lead more by example: being early, being one of the first guys in the gym. [But] we have a great balance. There's not an ego in that locker room, so that makes it so much easier." 

So, entering his ninth season in the league, McDermott is ready to lead and put his best foot forward for his younger teammates. His minutes won't be sky high, but as long as his consistency remains the same, he'll be a strong asset for San Antonio. 

After all, he and his teammates — Wembanyama included — now have something to play for.