OKC Thunder guard Dennis Schröder proved to be a significant signing from last year’s off-season. Schröder took a step backward from his days as the starting point guard with the Atlanta Hawks to become Oklahoma City’s reserve unit leader, but his game took a step forward because of it. He carved out an exceptional role for himself and benefited from playing on a squad with higher standards and expectations.
As the backup point guard to Russell Westbrook, Schröder felt pressure to uphold the intensity and quality of play Westbrook brings to the court.