OKC Thunder: Dennis Schröder’s unexpected defensive contribution
By Reid Belew
Conclusion
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OKC Thunder fans were excited about Dennis Schröder. We knew we’d get a scorer and facilitator, and anything else is a bonus.
It’s been quite a bonus. Schröder is playing great defense, and his net rating is the highest of his career by a mile. Schröder’s net rating sits at 8.4, which is currently the same as Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis when you take out players who play less than 15 minutes a game or have played in less than 15 games this season.
Davis and Durant’s net ratings will likely tick upward, so this comparison is a momentary snapshot. Temporary as it may be, it illustrates that Schröder is a plus scorer and plus defender, and it’s worth +8.4 points a game. That’s a whole lot.
Related Story. 3 reasons why acquisition Dennis Schroder raises roster’s ceiling. light
It is often that the best things in life are the ones we least expect. For OKC Thunder fans, having a competent backup point guard was certainly unexpected, and it’s definitely one of the best parts of this young season.