Thunderous Intentions
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3 reasons why OKC Thunder acquisition Dennis Schroder raises roster’s ceiling

By Lawrence George

29 June 2018, Germany, Braunschweig, Basketball, World Cup Qualification, Germany vs Austria, First Round, Group G, 5th Matchday: Germany's Dennis Schroeder signs autographs after the match. Photo: Swen Pförtner/dpa (Photo by Swen Pförtner/picture alliance via Getty Images)
29 June 2018, Germany, Braunschweig, Basketball, World Cup Qualification, Germany vs Austria, First Round, Group G, 5th Matchday: Germany's Dennis Schroeder signs autographs after the match. Photo: Swen Pförtner/dpa (Photo by Swen Pförtner/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder guard Dennis Schroder
OKC Thunder guard Dennis Schroder /

Strong statistical output:

Oklahoma City acquire a gifted point-guard on the back of his his best scoring output of his career. Schroder averaged a career high 19.4 points on 17.4 shot attempts, 43.4 percent from the field, 29 percent from deep and 85 percent on free throws. The German will need to improve his 3-point percentage if he’s going to see time with Westbrook but he’s just 24 years-old and yet to reach his prime.

Schroder set a career in Atlanta’s 99-94 win over the Utah Jazz last season. He posted 41 points (16-28 from the field, 3-7 from deep and 6-10 free throws), five rebounds and sevens assists in 35 minutes.

While 41 points against any NBA team is impressive, Schroder shredded the Jazz who had won 21 of their previous 23 games. Better yet, the German pounded the blue and gold in Salt Lake City. Granted he’s unlikely to shoot or handle the ball that much in OKC, the fact that he manhandled a top 5 defensive unit last season in the Jazz is impressive.

OKC Thunder bench gets a lift:

The OKC Thunder best bench scorer last season was Jerami Grant who averaged 8.4 points per game. Majority of Grant’s points came in the pick and roll, attacking the hoop, dunking or drawing fouls. His dribbling ability is rudimentary at best, but he was able to create his shot to an extent.

Schroder is a legitimate shot creator who utilizes screens and changes in pace to get by defenders. The German is confident in isolation and plays similarly to Westbrook without the turnovers (3.2 per 36 minutes). Now that he’s going against second units, Schroder will put up numbers in a hurry.

In addition to his scoring, Schroder also increased his rebounds (3.1), steals (1.1) and PER (17.3). At just 6’1, 172 pounds and an impressive 6’7 wingspan, he is severely undersized. However, the German will be joining a fierce defensive unit that can hide him like OKC do with Westbrook.

Schroder has an opportunity to have a strong defensive year, playing the passing lanes and accumulating steals.

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