Dennis Schroder
Position: Point Guard
2015-16 statistics: 11 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.6 RPG
Slash Line: 42.1/32.2/79.1
Mike Budenholzer has officially handed the keys to the offense to the 22-year-old German, Dennis Schroder.
Fans in Atlanta had been wanting this move dating back to the halfway mark of last season. With Jeff Teague in Indiana, there is no turning back. Schroder’s transition to starting point guard won’t go without a few frustrating games with careless turnovers, but experience is the best teacher and Schroder will get plenty of that in 2016-17.
The good thing is, he is used to Budenholzer’s style and terminology already, so it shouldn’t be an issue throughout camp with him quarterbacking the offense.
One characteristic that is a wait-and-see deal is how Schroder leads from a point guard standpoint. Will his teammates react well to his demands on the floor? Will they trust the ball in his hands when the clock is ticking down to make the right play?
These are all questions that can begin to be addressed during training camp. Schroder has been nothing but positive and focused judging by his social media posts. Now all that has to happen is he transition that optimism and focused energy onto the floor to ensure perfection when running through sets.
The Hawks overall success this season will be dependent upon Schroder’s production. He claims he’s ready, so now it’s the fans turn to watch him blossom into what many think can be a rising star in the point guard ranks.
Next: A Hopeful Turnaround