Atlanta Hawks: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener
1. Dennis Schroder ready for a breakout year
Dennis Schroder essentially has free rein within the offense for the Atlanta Hawks.
As the only player on the roster to average 15 points or five assists per game during their NBA career, the Hawks anticipate the 6’1″ guard out of Germany to improvise anytime the team becomes desperate for points.
During his first game as the unquestioned leader in Atlanta, Schroder delivered, dishing out seven assists while turning the ball over just twice.
The passing of Schroder generated 15 points and combined with his game-high 28 points, he accounted for 37 percent of the Hawks’ offense. Part of his significant contributions came from Schroder calling his own number very frequently.
Dennis Schroder is the first Hawks player to attempt 26 field goals in a season opener since Glenn Robinson in 2002.
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) October 19, 2017
Whenever the Hawks’ offense broke down, Schroder improvised and frequently attacked the basket, a facet that suits him perfectly.
Schroder closed out the game by scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter, with eight coming off layups as he simply dashed past defenders to the rim.
Next: 2017-18 Week 1 NBA Power Rankings
The bulk of the offense for the Atlanta Hawks will need to be generated by Schroder and after one game, he looks to be up to the challenge.