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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A new Schroder-Westbrook combo on the horizon:

There is little doubt that Schroder and Westbrook will share the court together. Donovan frequently played the Felton-Russ combination (much to my dismay) and neither one is partciularly great from distance.

Many will question the fit with Schroder and Westbrook when they share the floor. This is a legitimate concern given both players are ball dominant, mid-range shooters who favor driving to the hole instead of firing from the outside.

However, we have seen this work before.

The Schroder-Westbrook dynamic mirrors the Reggie Jackson-Westbrook combo from 2013-14. OKC finished the year with a 59-23 record, second best in the league and regularly closed games with those two in the back court.

Jackson set a then career high 32 points (11-16 from the field, 2-4 3-point, 8-8 free throws) in Game 4 of the 2014 playoffs . He led the Thunder to a 92-89 win in overtime playing 37 minutes, with 28 of those minutes alongside Westbrook.

Comparison to OKC last producing reserve point guard:

Granted Jackson is slightly bigger at 6’3, 208 pounds with a 7’0 wingspan, his skill set is very similar to Schroder.  Lets take a look at their stats side by side when both were starters for their respective clubs.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic /

Just how similar both guards are is uncanny. Coming off the bench in 2013-14, Jackson averaged 13.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 28.5 minutes which is what OKC fans should expect from Schroder.

Its Donovan’s prerogative to have multiple ball handlers on the roster and have Westbrook play off the ball more. The German is much better in half court sets and takes his time as opposed to Russ’ one speed approach. Once they figure out spacing, the Thunder have a real chance to be effective.

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