Atlanta Hawks: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Storyline 3: Dennis Schroder’s continued development

In his first season as a starter, point guard Dennis Schroder led the Atlanta Hawks in total points, assists, field goals made and minutes played.

In 79 appearances, Schroder totaled 1,414 points, 499 assists, 248 rebounds and 74 steals. The 24-year-old guard increased his scoring average by nearly 7.0 points per game and became the most reliable offensive weapon on the team in the postseason.

Atlanta Hawks

Essentially, the 2016-17 season was his audition to become the franchise player, as the team either traded away or let the other four starters during its playoff series against the Wizards walk in free agency.

Schroder mastered his play in the pick-and-roll, as his 10.1 possessions off the play ranked as the seventh-most in the NBA. Within the play, he generated 8.4 points for himself.

As he enters his fifth season, Schroder finds himself as the team leader, the most accomplished player on the roster and the only player on the team to have ever averaged 15 points or 5.0 assists per game.

To elevate his game to the next level, Schroder would have to produce at an All-Star level, averaging over 20 points and 7.5 assists per game. Both averages are within reach, as the Hawks will likely allow Schroder to shoot as frequently as he sees fit.

Atlanta needs someone to take command offensively, and no player on the roster is more equipped than Schroder.