Dennis Schroder got off to a tough start in the Sacramento Kings' season-opening loss against the Phoenix Suns. But in the home opener against the Utah Jazz, the real Dennis Schroder showed up, and fans were there for it. Now, he just has to bring that heat every time he's on the court.
After the De'Aaron Fox trade last season, the Kings were in need of a dedicated point guard. They settled on Dennis Schroder, whom they traded for during the offseason. They also brought in Russell Westbrook just before the season started to round out the position.
During the opening game of the season, Schroder turned in 14 points, one rebound, seven assists, two steals, and one block. It was a solid performance, but not the dynamic game off the stat sheets the Kings need from their starting point guard to win. The home opener was a different story.
Dennis Schroder goes off in game two
The version of Schroder that Kings fans got in their first regular-season game in Golden 1 Center was the Schroder that FIBA got during the EuroBasket Tournament. He clocked out with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. More important were the intangibles.
There was a lot about Schroder's gameplay against the Jazz that didn't show up on the stat sheets. In his over 33 minutes on the court, he was an absolute menace on defense. Every time a Jazz player turned around, it seemed like Schroder was there and in their way.
The same was true on offense. Playing well at point guard doesn't always mean getting points or collecting assists. Schroder was getting people involved, moving the ball, and setting others up for success. Plus, he took more shots in game two than game three, which is great to see.
FIBA Schroder shows up for the Kings
It was this level of gameplay that Schroder brought to the EuroBasket Tournament. He helped the German team win the gold medal and picked up MVP honors for his work. That is the Dennis Schroder fans of the Kings wanted to see on the court.
They caught glimpses of him in the season opener, but he was more consistent and impactful in game two. The key concept in that sentence is consistency, something that has plagued him throughout his NBA career. Schroder is good but has always run hot and cold in the NBA.
If he can keep turning in performances like the one he showed off against the Jazz, the Kings will have a better season than anyone currently seems to be expecting. FIBA Schroder showing up every night would be a difference maker for the Kings.