Doug McDermott is not even certain his spot on the Chicago Bulls roster is permanent and yet he is already making bold predictions for the team in 2014. The Bulls missed out on their two top targets in free agency, but did land Pau Gasol who could make a big impact in 2014. However, it is getting back a healthy Derrick Rose is what has most fans excited as McDermott thinks this is a championship roster, even without Kevin Love.
McDermott's name has popped up in several trade rumors recently as the Chicago Bulls attempt to stay alive in the race for Kevin Love. However, the rookie swingman is trying not to pay attention to any of that and is instead focusing on the season ahead with the Bulls. McDermott's confidence is sky high as he took part in a Reddit AMA with other NBA rookies. When asked how well the Bulls would do this season, McDermott mentioned championship.
"I feel like our chances are pretty good. We got a great roster and additions. The east is a lot tougher now and it will be a challenge," McDermott wrote. The swingman also made note of just how excited he was to play alongside Rose. The rookie said that Rose draws plenty of attention while opening shots for others and he planned on taking full advantage of that. However, that is all dependent on still being on the roster.
The Bulls are remaining active in the Love trade talks until the very end. The team has presented the Minnesota Timberwolves with several package offers including one that involves McDermott and Jimmy Butler. Taj Gibson has also had his name tossed around in the plans. According to ESPN.com, the Timberwolves will not make a decision regarding Love until the end of August. By that point, both McDermott and Andrew Wiggins will be available after they waited the mandated 30 days upon signing their rookie contracts.
Meanwhile, most of Chicago's attention is on Rose and his knees. After seeing Paul George end his 2014 season earlier than anyone had hoped, attention shifts to players like Rose who suffered season-ending injuries over the past three years. However, the reports coming out of Team USA practice regarding the point guard have been nothing but positive.
"He looks better," George said, via ESPN.com last Wednesday. "He looks like he's coming off the MVP year. He's really been aggressive. He's been flying across the court. We've seen him last year in the regular season, it still looked like he was holding back a little bit. It doesn't look like that here."
