Jarrett Jack could be the perfect mentor For Dennis Schroder
The time is almost here for Dennis Schroder to prove he has what it takes to lead an entire team as a starting point guard. Veteran Jarrett Jack can assist with Schroder’s growth by taking him under his wing.
Atlanta Hawks fans are anxiously waiting to see if the man with the golden patch has what it takes to be the leader of the franchise. Now that Jeff Teague is no longer a Hawk, Dennis Schroder is Atlanta’s new starting point guard.
Taking on the role of a starting point guard is not an easy one, but Dennis has played through enough intense moments as a backup to get a feel of what that role is like. In games 1 and 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Schroder performed like a seasoned vet despite a crazy atmosphere.
He scored 27 points and dished out six assists in Game 1, and 21 points in Game 4. There is no doubt that Schroder has all the potential to be one of the top point guards in the Eastern Conference, but what’s the point of potential if he never taps into it? Luckily, Schroeder will get the opportunity to learn from an experienced point guard in Jarrett Jack.
Now I know what your thinking, Jack isn’t CP3 or Russell Westbrook, but he has something very valuable, and that’s experience. The 32 year-old veteran has played in the NBA for 11 years, with different types of players and coaches. He’s seen it all.
Throughout his 11 years, Jack has been the ideal model for consistency. He’s one of those players that can do everything alright, but nothing super spectacular. Jack is an overall point guard that won’t put up gargantuan numbers, but also won’t screw a game up.
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Jack has averaged 11.1 points and 4.5 assists through his years in the NBA. Schroder can learn a thing or two from Jack. Point guards are expected to be a game clock manager, facilitator, and scorer all in one. Schroder has shown glimpses of all three of those skills in his short time as an NBA player, but Jack can help him learn to use these tools at the right time and transform into an all-around basketball player.
Jack is really good at making instinctual moves to score the ball when he has to. He uses crossovers, pump fakes, spins and other moves, to create space between him an his opponent. Schroder has been on the receiving end of some of Jarrett’s iso moves.
Schroder is fortunate to be able to use his speed and quickness to blow past his opponents, but Eventually he will come across some feisty defenders such as Patrick Beverly, Mike Conley, and Kyle Lowry just to name a few that’ll require Schroder to put some of Jack’s signature moves to use. A player’s ability to score on a good defender is how they become respected around the league.
There’s nothing wrong with some one-on-one basketball every now and then, but coach Mike Budenholzer’s system is one that encourages players to make extra passes. The addition of Dwight Howard guarantee’s a rise in Bud’s tendency to use the pick and roll on offense. Jack has demonstrated his passing skills on a number of occasions in pick and roll situations and fast breaks opportunities.
Dennis will definitely need to channel his inner Rajon Rondo if the Hawks want Howard to play to his full potential this season. Howard has expressed his frustration over not getting enough touches in the post during his time in Houston, so Dennis will have to share the ball if the Atlanta Hawks want to succeed.
His assists numbers may not pop out on his stat sheet, but Jack is a pretty good distributor, and Dennis can learn from him in that department.
Jack isn’t the best, but every great player in the NBA has had a veteran player they take advice from. Playing in the NBA is bigger than just being able to score and defend. Good players know how to control the game and their emotions in order to win games.
Young players sometime struggle with that aspect of the game. Schroder hasn’t exactly been Metta World Peace, but he has had some moments where his attitude and pride took control of him.
Sometimes young players need that older guy on the bench to show them how to carry themselves on and off the court. Schroder is fiery and fierce. He’s a natural competitor. This is a great trait to have but it can often times result in turnovers and scoring droughts.
Jack can help him learn when to heat things up just enough without out starting a wildfire. Schroder will make his mistakes throughout the season, this is inevitable. It’s the only way he’ll get better. He is now the leader of this Atlanta Hawks team, and he’ll need guidance from all of his teammates if he has aspirations of becoming one of the best.