As we relayed earlier today, Dennis Schroder made some comments on Monday at a press conference for the German Basketball Federation that have raised eyebrows around the NBA. During that presser, Schroder talked about not wanting to keep finishing “second to last” in the East going forward, and specifically identified the Bucks and Pacers as teams he might like to play for, even though his contract with the Hawks runs through 2021.
“I have to look individually what’s the best for me,” Schroder said, per ESPN (via David Hein of FIBA.basketball). “I will be 25 in September and of course you want to win a title some time. In my prime — 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 — I want to compete. I cannot be second to last in the Eastern Conference. That’s why I will have the talks with the Atlanta Hawks.”
So what’s the story with Schroder? Michael Cunningham of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution explores that topic, writing that a person “in the know” says neither the point guard nor his agent have contacted the Hawks to discuss the possibility of a trade. In fact, according to Cunningham, all indications are that Schroder didn’t want to be traded at the deadline — he was bothered when his name came up in trade rumors, prompting Hawks GM Travis Schlenk to tell him he’d be staying put.
Schroder also said during Monday’s press conference that he’s “not in the position to decide what direction the organization will take,” per Cunningham. The veteran guard added that he’d like to stay in Atlanta “if everything moves into the right direction.”
Still, the Hawks have made no secret of the fact that they’re in the midst of what could be a lengthy rebuilding process, and Schroder’s other comments make it sound like he’s not interested in sticking around for that entire process. Schroder indicated that he’ll meet soon with Schlenk and Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler, so perhaps he’ll broach the subject of a trade during that meeting. For what it’s worth, the Hawks’ Reddit (Twitter link) noticed that Schroder also appears to have scrubbed his Instagram page of any mentions of his current team.
Complicating matters further is Schroder’s pending legal case. He was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge last September, with Georgia officials recommending in March that he be prosecuted for felony aggravated battery. Schroder figures to face discipline from his team and/or the league when that case is resolved.
While it’s not clear what the next step here is for Schroder and the Hawks, it’ll be a story worth watching during the 2018 offseason, and perhaps the first major challenge for new head coach Lloyd Pierce.
If he doesn’t want to be second to last in the East, perhaps he should PLAY BETTER and make his teammates better. That is what a point guard is supposed to do.
This is what bugs me more than anything about the modern NBA. Some players (KD + others) have decided instead of improving their games to the point that they can beat a team that is currently better than them, they will go play for them so they win now. I cant stand the “if you can’t beat them, join them” mentality.
I cannot imagine Patrick Ewing or Charles Barkley demanding a trade to the Bulls. Ewing tried his hardest to beat them. Just because he never really succeeded does not diminish his career in my eyes at all.
Even if Shroeder improved his game the hawks would still be one of the worst teams in the league. When your secound best player is Kent Bazemore your team is bound to suck. I don’t blame him for not wanting to stick through a rebuild.He realizes he doesn’t want to be sitting home on his couch during the playoffs when he is in the prime of his career.
Publicly whining about it is not the route I would take to get traded. But to each their own.
What are you talking about? Charles Barkley literally demanded a trade to a contender when he couldn’t get it done in Phoenix and he went to Houston to play with Clyde and Hakeem.
Barkley was a legit superstar, Schroeder is an average player. Can’t compare the two.
He didn’t demand a trade to a contender. Phoenix WAS a contender. He just wanted out of there.
He can’t play to lebron level. When your best group of players is you, Kent Bazemore, and John Collins, you just can’t win.
And why exactly does everyone feel like they entitled to win every year? Everyone can’t win. That is the exact opposite of what sports is all about. This is why participation trophies have ruined people. If you go into any situation with the attitude you describe, you are right…you can’t win.
Besides, Schroder, Bazemore, and Collins CAN win. They literally did it 24 times this season. Add a player to the mix, and maybe you can win 30 times next season. Add another and you are sniffing the playoffs. But everyone wants to go from last to first immediately without going through the necessary growing pains. The process has ruined people. Building slowly to a winner is far more impressive than being the worst in the league for 5 straight years and then being good with completely new players.
Dude come on the Hawks are rebuilding. They let their coach go cause he didn’t wanna be there to do it. Why wouldn’t their best player feel the same way?
Trade him to the Cavs for there lottery pick and whatever garbage contract they want to attach to it.
They are probably reserving that pick for Kawhi.
I agree with him. players are only in their prime at 23, 26, 27, 28, 29. 24 and 25 year olds suck.
Dennis on the Cavs would be pretty sick, he elevates his game in the playoffs and that’s what the Cavs need. Ultimately I think Cleveland will win the championship this June, and what better way to keep Lebron in Cleveland then bringing in young hungry guard like Dennis who could dissect defenses at an elite level? Not to mention they can pick up DeAndre Jordan also.
Lmao, Cleveland wont even be in the finals!
Cavs in 6 over Boston and Cavs in 6 over the Warriors. Lue and Lebron will make sure to shut down Curry,Klay, and Green and just let Durant get his. It’s not rocket science and they have the personnel to do it.
This Cavs team is worse than last years. How are they gonna beat the Warriors once much less 4 times?
They are deeper and more athletic. Hill is a better defender then Kyrie and they have scorers off the bench now who can actually score not like Deron Williams who scored 3 points all 5 games last Finals. They’ve got more forwards(Green,Nance Jr,Hood) compared to last season with only Richard. They are definitely a better team.
Lolololol
Do you actually watch basketball?
Yes and Lebron needs to move off the ball and play some defense.
Cleveland’s not winning anything this year, and LeBron is gone.
You’ve had some pretty ridiculous “hot” takes in the past, but this is just hot garbage
He’s probably stuck in Atlanta unless you did a lateral move. Amazing theres not many places who need point guards. This summer is going to be interesting.
What really complicates matters is he’s at best a mid-tier PG who really got exposed last year as a distance shooter. Who wants a PG that you can play off in this era-?
He never sounds very bright either. Atlanta should accomodate his wishes if possible… he would be sparky off the bench.
Look at his 2 years as a starter, then go look at John Wall and Derrick Rose stats. Not much difference. Literally is the poor man’s John Wall at 15M for the next 3 seasons. His ideal fit is obviously a team with shooters. But he can get to the bucket and finish.