Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from preseason opening win vs. Magic
Boston Celtics takeaway #2: Dennis Schroder…the primary playmaker?
Dennis Schroder was signed by the Boston Celtics for the midlevel-exception, making him widely regarded as the steal of free agency.
Since 2017, he has averaged over 17 points and five assists per game, and he looks like he could be in position to average close to that this season for the Celtics. He was actually my pick for the 6th man of the year award, because he would be the first point guard off the bench for the Cs.
He struggled shooting the ball, however his speed, intensity and passing were very obviously difference makers. Schroder finished the game with six points, four assists, and two steals, making an all-around impact in just 20 minutes of action.
The broadcast quickly pointed out what many were thinking: this guy reminds us of Rajon Rondo, and for good reason. His quickness and speed in transition coupled with his creative passing style emulate the game of the Celtic-great.
Now don’t get it twisted, I’m not saying he will or can be as good as what Rondo was for this team, but if he can imitate just 50% of that sort of two-way production, the Celts struck gold with that contract.
Right off the bat, he showed why he was a highly touted pick-and-roll ball handler, with a lob to Al Horford for a dunk. In fact, in each of the last six seasons, he has had 40% of his possessions or more be in the pick and roll. He is a reliable operator, and honestly getting some reliability for the Celtics, long-deprived of bench consistency, could be an absolute blessing.
Schroder is much more exciting to watch than I previously had thought, you can tell he controls the pace of the game just with the speed of his dribble. Brain Scalabrine labeled him a “gunslinger” during the broadcast, and I couldn’t think of a better way to describe him.
The best thing Dennis Schroder can do is play without a narrative. Don’t play with a “contract year” mindset. Don’t play with statistical gain in mind. Play with the unselfish, team-oriented style of play you showed last night, and your payday will be bigger than you know come next offseason.