Beginning a new journey with the OKC Thunder, Dennis Schroder arrives with early emphasis on assuming a larger role due to Russell Westbrook‘s injury.
After five season in Atlanta, Dennis Schroder was ready for a change of pace and scene. At the same time the OKC Thunder were looking to off load Carmelo Anthony‘s albatross salary. Once again, Sam Presti did the unthinkable by shedding the contract and gaining an asset in return.
Although some may cite the trade as both squads parting with undesirable fits the reality is the Thunder truly needed to bolster the reserve unit. Moreover, since James Harden was traded OKC haven’t had a playmaking guard who could lead the reserves and also score. In Schroder they presumably fill both needs.
Prior to accomplishing the reserve needs however, the point guard will have an even larger task. This given the prospect of Russell Westbrook missing time due to his right knee scope. First up Schroder will begin training camp transitioning into a new system and he’ll initially be inserted as the starting point guard.
Much is on the line for the 24 year old as he attempts to restructure his image and become a key contributor to an elite squad.
| Season | Age | G | GS | MP | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | 2P% | eFG% | FT | FTA | FT% | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 20 | 49 | 0 | 13.1 | 3.8 | .383 | 0.2 | 0.9 | .238 | .425 | .410 | 0.6 | 0.9 | .674 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 3.7 |
| 2014-15 | 21 | 77 | 10 | 19.7 | 8.6 | .427 | 0.7 | 1.9 | .351 | .449 | .466 | 1.9 | 2.3 | .827 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 4.1 | 0.6 | 10.0 |
| 2015-16 | 22 | 80 | 6 | 20.3 | 9.8 | .421 | 1.0 | 3.0 | .322 | .465 | .471 | 1.8 | 2.3 | .791 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 11.0 |
| 2016-17 | 23 | 79 | 78 | 31.5 | 15.4 | .451 | 1.3 | 3.7 | .340 | .487 | .493 | 2.8 | 3.2 | .855 | 2.6 | 3.1 | 6.3 | 0.9 | 17.9 |
| 2017-18 | 24 | 67 | 67 | 31.0 | 17.1 | .436 | 1.1 | 3.9 | .290 | .480 | .469 | 3.4 | 4.0 | .849 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 6.2 | 1.1 | 19.4 |
| Career | 352 | 161 | 23.7 | 11.3 | .434 | 0.9 | 2.8 | .320 | .471 | .473 | 2.2 | 2.6 | .827 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 4.8 | 0.8 | 12.9 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/23/2018.
Despite garnering many career highs with the Hawks as a starter, the reality is the German was the primary ball handler and opponents likely weren’t as focused facing the lottery bound Hawks. Facing tough starters in the West will be a challenge. But, if Schroder accepts a reserve role and forms an organic chemistry with Paul George and Russell Westbrook he could experience the type of success he’s stated being desirous of.
Asked what he thinks will be different playing with the OKC Thunder versus spending his career in Atlanta.
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One of the biggest factors Dennis Schroder looks forward to is seeing how Russell Westbrook and Paul George prepare both on and off court. Schroder calls the atmosphere like a big family and he’s excited to be with the team.
What was the experience like playing with Westbrook on court his summer?
Schroder noted how fast they were when playing at UCLA with Westbrook, and George and how difficult they will be to guard.
Does he care if he starts or is a reserve?
He doesn’t care where he plays because he believes this is a special group who’ll surprise a lot of teams. The German went on to say he had to do so much in Atlanta offensively he felt his defense suffered, but he plans on bringing it on both ends this season based on the overall depth and talent on OKC.
Steven Adams biggest fan?
Schroder noted working out with him during the draft process and joked he’s still feeling Adams screens from last season. The point guard calls it an honor to play with Adams and looks forward to spending time with him on the floor.
Where is the gold patch?
This was in reference to the hair cut which has disappeared. In one of the more jovial moments of his presser he laughed it off and said it will return, but for now it’s a fresh start.
One reporter asked about his legal issues which Schroder said it’s in process still, but doesn’t feel it is anything to worry about. The Thunder team will hope his optimism on this subject is a good sign.