Atlanta Hawks: What To Expect From Dennis Schroder

Following the departure of Jeff Teague, Dennis Schroder will enter the 2016-17 season as the starting point guard for the Atlanta Hawks. What can we expect from Atlanta’s new starting floor general?

While this will be the first season in which Dennis Schroder has the full-time starting role for the Atlanta Hawks, he has seen important minutes and has been present in key situations over the past two years.

Hawks fans saw some foreshadowing of next season in the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s Game 4 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, as Schroder played the entire fourth quarter instead of incumbent starter Jeff Teague.

Schroder’s development and growth on both ends of the floor underscore the front office’s faith placed upon him and the risk they assumed in trading Teague to the Indiana Pacers this offseason. Teague was with the Hawks for seven years, leading the team to playoff appearances each year and garnering an All-Star appearance in 2015.

Related Story: Atlanta Hawks: 2016 Offseason Grades

Mike Budenholzer is placing a lot of faith and trust in the 22-year-old guard from Germany, as Schroder’s penchant for erratic play and careless turnovers during his tenure in Atlanta are well documented.

Schroder has always had a tendency to try to do too much instead of playing a fundamentally sound brand of basketball. His quickness and explosiveness give him an edge over many point guards in the league, but it has also led to poor decision-making at times.

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Last season, Schroder averaged 2.3 turnovers in a little over 20 minutes per game. While that number is certainly high, I can partially attribute that to Schroder trying to do too much in limited playing time and attempting to endear himself to Mike Budenholzer.

Now that Schroder has accomplished his goal of rising to the starting lineup for Atlanta, I suspect that he will only continue to grow and improve his turnover rate. If Schroder continues to demonstrate carelessness on the court, Bud does have a veteran guard in Jarrett Jack backing him up this season, as well as former European standout Malcolm Delaney.

Serving as the primary sixth man for the Hawks last year, Schroder averaged 11.0 points, 4.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per contest. It is safe to assume that given his new standing as a starter, his production on the offensive end of the court will increase with more playing time and responsibilities.

Even with the exit of Al Horford to the Boston Celtics, having Dwight Howard in the paint will mitigate the loss of Horford. Horford would have provided improved spacing for the team, but Howard’s prowess down low will make for some fun pick and rolls with Schroder as well as second chance opportunities.

One of the biggest changes that Atlanta will see out of the point guard position this coming season is most likely the drop in three-point shooting. Schroder shot a tick over 32 percent from beyond the arc last season, while Teague shot 40 percent.

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Schroder is still young enough however that he can continue to develop his three-point shot. The Hawks player development department has done remarkable work with the likes of DeMarre Carroll, Kent Bazemore and Paul Millsap in improving their jump shots, and will probably do the same with Schroder. Teague’s three-point percentage also jumped from 34 percent to 40 between 2014 and last season.

The biggest concern with Schroder taking the reins for the Hawks next season will be his leadership. Jeff Teague was a passive leader, while Schroder has shown signs of immaturity at times.

There is nothing wrong with being passionate or outspoken; but Schroder must demonstrate that he is capable of brushing off bad calls and staying composed on the court.

Dennis Schroder is a talented young guard who, if he continues to develop, could become an All-Star at the NBA level in the future. For the time being though, this next season will be one of growth.

Next: Toronto Raptors: 2016 Offseason Grades

Given the changes to the Hawks roster this offseason, I do see improved production from Dennis Schroder as he continues to come into his own. He will not be an All-Star, but perhaps as early as next year, he could become the Hawks best player. It’s just a question of whether he will answer the call.