The Cleveland Cavaliers‘ pursuit of Peyton Watson and/or Jonathan Kuminga has forced them to make some tough roster decisions, primarily to clear up cap space. To that end, the trade sending Dennis Schroder to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann seems to be the first step in the process.
In many ways, parting with Dennis Schroder was always on the cards for the Cavaliers. Given that the guard has also effectively become a journeyman at this stage of his career, such a move doesn’t come as a surprise. However, Schroder’s reaction to being traded was certainly quite intriguing.
While speaking about the trade during an interview with the German regional news publication Braunschweiger Zeitung, Schroder welcomed the move to the Hornets, as he commented:
“I’ve known for a month. I think the Hornets are a better situation for me because I can play the way I normally play. When you have two legends in your position who bring the ball up the court and play a lot of isolation, then it’s just difficult.”
As mentioned earlier, being traded was always on the table for Dennis Schroder. Although he serves as a reliable playmaker and point-of-attack defender off the bench, the veteran guard was routinely mentioned in trade rumors to help Cleveland clear up salary.
While this seemed reasonable enough, Schroder’s follow-up comment about playing behind the duo of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell seems far more intriguing.
Although the Cavaliers boast an elite, star-studded starting backcourt, it is no surprise that two of the most gifted offensive guards in the modern era are most effective in isolation. This approach produced positive results for Cleveland, as the duo averaged 55.0 points per game and had an offensive rating of 122.1. However, it clearly didn’t suit Schroder’s playing style.
Can Dennis Schroder Have An Impact In Charlotte?
Although the situation in Cleveland wasn’t necessarily suitable for Dennis Schroder, the veteran guard may find himself in a far better position with the Charlotte Hornets. As a franchise undergoing a massive shift, the Hornets could be the perfect fit for Schroder.
Since parting with LaMelo Ball, the Hornets have been left slightly thin in the backcourt, primarily at the point guard position. While Coby White will step up and serve as the starting floor general, adding a reliable backup to support White would certainly have been a necessity. On that note, acquiring Schroder seems like a very solid move.
Aside from his experience, Schroder also possesses solid traits that could position him as a contributor on Charlotte’s roster. Having averaged 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 40.5% from the field last season, the 32-year-old is capable of orchestrating an offense while also holding his own defensively.
While it is difficult to predict what the Hornets’ style of basketball will be in the upcoming season after their offseason moves, having a flexible backup point guard will certainly stabilize their second unit.
Additionally, Dennis Schroder’s arrival in Charlotte bodes well for the team’s rookies, first-round picks Hannes Steinbach and Christian Andersen Jr. Given that both have represented Germany, Schroder shared a comment on mentoring the young German players, stating:
“For them, it’s a blessing to have someone to chat with.”
While there are several European players in the NBA, the number of German players is relatively low. At the time he was drafted (2013), Dennis Schroder recalled having no one to talk to. Thus, in many ways, being in the presence of a veteran from the same background could help the rookies adjust and assimilate more quickly.
Overall, this move appears positive for the Hornets and the 32-year-old. Since both have aspirations to compete, this partnership could be quite promising as Charlotte also eyes a playoff push in the upcoming campaign.
