2013 NBA Draft – Sacramento Kings Draft Profiles: Dennis Schroeder

May 16, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Dennis Schroeder is interviewed during the NBA Draft combine at Harrison Street Athletics Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Schroeder
Point Guard, 6’2″, 168 lbs.
Braunschweig (Germany)
19 years old

2012-13 Stats (NY Phantoms – Germany): 11.9 PPG (42.4% FG, 83.8% FT, 40.2% 3FG), 2.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 2.5 TOPG

STRENGTHS: The first thing that jumps out when you watch Schroeder is his incredible ability to penetrate a defense. He uses screens extremely well, and his top-end speed and ball-handling make him a huge threat to attack the rim. Once in the paint, Schroeder is a deft passer who looks to create for his teammates. He shows a good stroke on his jumper and excels as a spot-up shooter. His 6’7″ wingspan speaks to his potential on the defensive end, as he should be able to cause problems for opposing guards.

WEAKNESSES: Schroeder is a raw, unfinished product, and it shows in his game and his body. While showing strong passing skills, he sometimes tries to do too much and gets sloppy with the basketball. According to the numbers, he’s not particularly strong at shooting off the dribble and also struggled in transition, both with shooting and his turnover rate. Additionally, Schroeder is rail thin. While his length is fine, he’ll have to add some weight and muscle to deal with the rigors of the NBA. His slight stature already hurts his ability to finish at the rim against taller defenders.

HOW HE’D FIT WITH THE KINGS: Schroeder would be a developmental project, presumably brought in to backup Isaiah Thomas initially. The Kings lack of point guard depth would give Schroeder a clear role as a rookie as he learns the NBA game. Schroeder has the makings of being a pure point guard who enjoys creating for others, and this is something the Kings could definitely use. On the second unit, Schroeder could use his speed to break down defenses and create open shots for Marcus Thornton, Patrick Patterson and other Kings shooters. Down the road, the hope would be he becomes the starter, and his ability to pick-and-roll could prove hugely valuable alongside DeMarcus Cousins.

APPROVAL
SCOTT – Yes, although I do think a better prospect will be on the board if the Kings stay at No. 7. The more I’ve studied Schroeder, the more I’ve become intrigued by his game. He has an amazing ability to get inside defenses, and the idea of pass-first point guard is very appealing. Add in his physical gifts — a 6’7″ wingspan and lightning speed — and there is just so much potential for Schroeder to become a talented NBA player.

BRYANT WEST – Yes, but I’d rather the Kings take either Trey Burke or Michael Carter-Williams, whomever is around at 7. There is plenty to like about Schroeder’s game, but there is more to like about the other two guards in my book. Schroeder is certainly raw, and that adds a bit of danger to the selection, but his all around potential is certainly high. Still, when it comes to pure basketball skills, both Burke (jumpshot, proven college record) and Carter-Williams (defense, play making) currently have him beat.

WHERE HE GOES: Schroeder is reportedly rising up draft boards, but he hasn’t garnered much mention in the top 10. The Mavericks (13) have a need for a point guard and certainly aren’t afraid to dip into Germany to get one. The Jazz (14/21) and Bucks (15) could also be searching for a player like Schroeder.

Other Kings Draft Profiles…

Otto Porter
Michael Carter-Williams
Shabazz Muhammad
Trey Burke
Anthony Bennett
Alex Len
Gorgui Dieng
Victor Oladipo
Cody Zeller
C.J. McCollum
Rudy Gobert