Player Name: Dennis Schroder (Atlanta Hawks)
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1/168 pounds
Why you need to watch him on NBA League Pass: You can’t miss Dennis Schroder, and we mean that in two ways. First of all, he is literally hard to avoid, thanks to the signature bleached-blond streak in his hair. What began as an idea from his mother (a salon owner) of dying his entire head blond turned into a compromise of a patch, which has become his signature look.
But you also can’t miss watching him play, because dude can go. He’s only six feet tall and 170 pounds soaking wet, but he has no problem weaving through trees and getting to the basket. He plays with a style that displays echoes of Rajon Rondo, who Schroder clearly grew up appreciating, but with more of an offense-first approach. Self-confidence doesn’t appear to be an issue of Schroder, which means he’ll try things he may or may not be prepared to complete. Still, it’s that spirit that endears him to Hawks fans.
Schroder came from Germany to the ATL in 2013, and after a rookie season where he was used sparingly and spent some time in the NBA D-League, last season was his breakout campaign. He averaged 10.0 ppg to go with 4.1 apg serving as All-Star Jeff Teague’s back-up. Schroder also served as one of the Hawks spiritual leaders, quick to lead bench celebrations and, occasionally, even dunking on people (and gloating afterward).
The Hawks may have a couple of holes to fill this season, but at least in Schroder, they know they have one sure thing.
— Lang Whitaker, NBA.com
