Dennis Schroder is the new starting point guard for the Atlanta Hawks after the team traded Jeff Teague to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. The 22-year-old tweeted his thanks to the organization and coach Mike Budenholzer a day after the trade.
CAN’T DESCRIBE THIS FEELING !! I EARNED COACH TRUST & I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT OPPURTUNITY !!! ATL HAWKS❤️#CoachBudpic.twitter.com/U4emfINytP
— Dennis Schröder (@DennisMike93) June 23, 2016
Schroder, a first-round pick of the Hawks in 2013, started six games last season. He averaged 11 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per 20.3 minutes.
Schroder said at the Hawks’ exit interview last month that he was ready to be a starter, and the organization apparently agreed. Teague had been the team’s starter for the past five seasons, but his contract was set to expire, and there was no indication if the Hawks wanted to re-sign him to another contract.
During the second round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Schroder showed the Hawks he could handle more minutes and be effective. He averaged 15.3 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 50 percent from the floor and 47.4 percent from the 3-point line.
