Atlanta Hawks: 5 Early Season Takeaways

Nov 18, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Lamar Patterson (13) celebrates a play with center Al Horford (15, left), forward Paul Millsap (4), and guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Sacramento Kings at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 17, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) shoots the ball during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Nets won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dennis Schroder Ready For Expanded Role

When backup point guard Dennis Schroder said he wants to eventually start in Atlanta or else he’ll look for that opportunity elsewhere, it wasn’t with any set time frame in mind. This wasn’t a threat for the 2015-16 season, and the 22-year-old German product also acknowledged that Jeff Teague is an All-Star and that he’s thankful for all he’s taught him.

But in just his second NBA season, Schroder is already proving that his desire to start somewhere in this league will eventually be more than just words; this kid can play. So far he’s averaging 12.4 points and 5.0 assists in 24.9 minutes per game, while shooting 42.2 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three-point range.

His shooting percentages obviously haven’t been great, but he’s filled in admirably for Teague as a starter in five games, averaging 15.0 points and 6.2 assists per game.

Nobody’s saying he’s ready to replace Teague or that he should be getting more minutes, but Schroder is building on an impressive rookie season and it won’t be long before he’s ready to run his own NBA team.

Next: No. 2

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