Atlanta Hawks: Lloyd Pierce’s New Focus Spells Trouble For This Player
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Hawks have their new coach in place and he wasted little time letting the team know his new focus. Coach Lloyd Pierce made it clear defense will be a huge focus for the Hawks. Posing as a possible problem for the Hawk’s point guard.
The Atlanta Hawk’s point guard Dennis Schroder has already made the news this week for all the wrong reasons. Schroder made it clear he is in the NBA to win and would be talking to the Hawks about his future.
Big words for a twenty-four-year-old point guard who is yet to average 20 points or more in his career. He went so far as to name the Pacers or Bucks are possible trade destinations.
Schroder shouldn’t be traded but his coach’s words paired with his recent trade talk is very concerning.
Dennis Schroder is a great scorer of the basketball. Watching Dennis attack the basket is just plain fun. He brings ferocity and a finishing ability that is unteachable. But, he also lacks the ability to play much defense.
Watching him play defense it is very obvious he is far from an elite defender. If the Hawks are indeed going to focus intensely on their defense what position is more important than guarding the other team’s point guard?
Dennis is an obvious defensive weakness on the Hawk’s roster. Paired with his at times poor attitude and recent trade talk Dennis could be on the move.
While I believe Dennis will continue to mature and develop the Hawks could be less patient. Trading him would be a mistake, the Hawks have all the control and Dennis has no choice but to suit up for his team.
But if the Hawks were to decide to trade Dennis they would likely have plenty of suitors for the young scorer.
Regardless, Coach Pierce will be a welcome change for Hawk’s fans a fresh perspective who is likely to focus on 3-and-D players much as he has in his coaching career. Dennis fits neither of these roles, could the Hawk’s point guard be on the move after all?