OKC Thunder: Dennis Schröder’s unexpected defensive contribution
By Reid Belew
Defense
Does that mean Dennis Schröder is all-defense worthy? No. Defense is notoriously difficult to measure, and to assume one stat can be so final and complete is wishful thinking. Defense, more than perhaps any part of basketball, is best evaluated using your eyes in conjunction with numbers.
We know that Dennis Schröder’s numbers have flipped a switch. Has his game?
Defense is somewhat of a mystery. There are so many factors that could help someone be a good defender. Size, speed, instinct, effort, etc. The formula for defensive success is different for every player. For Schröder, his solution sits somewhere between the sum of effort and speed.
The above is a great example. Off the dribble, Schröder easily keeps his man in front of him without fouling. His aggression does not come at the cost of caution, and it benefits him mightly with sound, solid defense.
It’s hard to see in the clip above, but Schröder starts this play with a switch, which is sometimes a disadvantage for the defender.
Schröder uses it as an opportunity. Even though he knew he had help down low with Nerlens Noel, Shcröder stays disciplined and stops the drive almost immediately.
Chase down blocks can be huge momentum swings or and ones, and there doesn’t seem like there’s much middle ground.
The safe play here is to let Thompson have the layup. Schröder isn’t in a great position to get the block as he’s right behind Thompson. This play is another great example of Schröder using his unique defensive cocktail to this benefit. Schröder turns on the jets, then puts forth the extra effort to make the play.
The above is a freakish play. This is not a play Schröder can make every game. It would be easy to throw this out and chalk it up to being a fluke or luck.
It may be that. But most players wouldn’t have even attempted that, and to attempt that, one needs exceptional instinct and feel for the game. Schröder has that speed, and here it paired with an uptick in effort. Those who work hard are often the luckiest.