OKC Thunder Report Card as team enters stretch

The most improved:

For all the rants of yours truly the growth of Dennis Schroder particularly from a game management perspective are gargantuan. It’s not like the talent or ability wasn’t always there. It’s more a matter of his in game choices that solicited rants here at T.I.

Schroder is a skilled player who can guard bigger than his size. But it’s his offensive skills which can break a team down whether it be via perimeter or mid-range daggers, drives to the basket or most importantly his ballhandling and playmaking skills getting fully utilized. In terms of the huge shift this season, it’s hard to know where the credit for his acceptance to change lies.

Was it Billy Donovan or Sam Presti successful sell on the three point guard lineup? Is it the Chris Paul effect? Did he simply recognize on his own how his role could positively affect wins? Or perhaps just how much fun he’s having within the role? Whatever (or whoever) is responsible Thunder Nation couldn’t be happier.

Through 55 games (he missed one game) he’s averaging 19.3 points, *3.9 rebounds, and four assists. His shooting splits have improved to *47.2 percent from the field, *38.7 percent from deep and 84.4 percent from the line.

*career highs

Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell are often cited as the top candidates to win Sixth Man of the Year. However, on paper the Clippers have more talent and that duo could end up canceling each other out.

There are other strong candidates this season (watch for an upcoming article on this), but it’s hard to deny Dennis Schroder should be a leading candidate to win the award. His effect on the clutch time crew alone will increase his odds of winning.

I’m holding off giving him that extra + to his grade because I’d still like to see him raise his assists. He’s more than capable of doing it as his career stats demonstrate.