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OKC Thunder preview: Dennis Schroder – the difference maker

By Lawrence George

TULSA, OK - OCTOBER 7: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during a pre-season game on October 7, 2018 at BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
TULSA, OK - OCTOBER 7: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during a pre-season game on October 7, 2018 at BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder Player Preview: Dennis “The Menace” Schroder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder enter 2018-19 season with the most complete roster since 2011-12. Can Dennis Schroder put them over the edge?

When its all said and done, I believe the Carmelo Anthony – Dennis Schroder trade will be the talk of the OKC Thunder season. The 25 year-old German is severely underrated and will determine just how far the OKC Thunder go this year.

Whether you want to believe it or not, the OKC Thunder season will be determined by the play of Dennis Schroder. With a strong core group of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Steven Adams and Andre Roberson, Schroder appears to complete the puzzle, strengthening OKC’s biggest weakness – its bench.

Schroder’s contributions on the basketball court are underappreciated. He posted career highs in points (19.4), steals (1.1) and rebounds (3.1) on a poor Atlanta Hawks team which won just 21 games last season. Against other point guards in the league, the German ranked 6th in points, 11th in assists (6.2) and 21st in rebounds per game.

Despite his solid numbers, Schroder experienced a drop-off in field goal (43.6) and 3-point percentage (29). Poor shot selection, isolation heavy offense and defensive pressure were the primary causes of the German’s struggles. While his field goal percentage is just below league average (45), the Thunder already have Russ whose regularly crucified for chucking.

Additionally, Schroder posted a career worst defensive net rating of negative-6.3. Despite admitting his lack of motivation on the defensive end last season, the 25 year-old must pay more attention on that end since it will be OKC’s calling card this season.

With the stat padding phenomenon making waves among casual NBA fans, one could argue Schroder’s statistical output was empty (bad team, good numbers that don’t result in wins). However, these numbers came against starting caliber players and with the 25 year-old shifting to the bench, he is set to burn second units with his bevvy of skills. With the Thunder’s greatest strength lying in the pick and roll, Schroder is going to excel with a roster full of athletes.

Off-court, Schroder needs some work. From heated exchanges with former Atlanta head coach Mike Budenholzer to a pending court case for assault, the German will find stability within OKC’s organization. With Russ leading the way combined with a laid-back Oklahoma City culture, he is set to flourish.

Lets take a deeper look.

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