Yesterday I started this segment on potential sleepers or under valued players at this point in their careers. Today I will continue the talk on some players with an outside shot at making a significant impact this season but project to be contributors next year. Keep in mind this is all barring health and no moves blocking player development.
Dennis Schroder (Point Guard, Atlanta Hawks)
Dennis Schroder is a young German point guard who was drafted last season by the Atlanta Hawks. He received some pre-draft buzz due to his physical make up, drawing comparisons to the Celtics Rajon Rondo. The comparison is primarily due to his quickness and lanky, long frame. Schroder checks in at 6'2" 168 lbs with a wingspan just under 6'8". Physically he resembles Rondo, but the comparisons stop there. He had a rough rookie season with limited playing time, where Rondo when healthy is a triple double threat. I wouldn't get caught up in his rookie season though as there is a good chance he can turn it around.
As I said his rookie season was not one to write home about with low numbers across the board. The rookie averaged 3.7pts 1.2rb 1.9ast in just 13.1 minutes a game. He should give better numbers this year as he has more experience under his belt. The fact that Lou Williams is no longer a Hawk will definitely help Schroder's cause as Williams departure moved him to a backup role from third string. The should result in more minutes and valuable experience this year. His numbers shouldn't blow anyone away this year but I can see him improving to the tune of 8pt 3rb 4ast a game as a primary backup.
I'm expecting him to improve each of the next two seasons seeing he is a young 21 year old point guard. It is the toughest position to come into as a young player. The two years experience should allow him to grow and develop better leadership and fundamentals. His numbers should increase the third season as well. I believe he will be around 11pt 3rb 6ast a game by his third season. Schroder should be a player to keep an eye on as he harnesses his ability and should be a player that uses his speed and length to improve the players around him.
Rudy Gobert (Center, Utah Jazz)
Rudy Gobert is another foreign second year player looking to make a jump. He is one of the tweeners as he could possibly make an impact this season. He is lauded for his immense size and length which will help him continue to protect the paint.
Gobert is an imposing physical presence. He stands at 7'2" 238lbs with a 7'8" wingspan. His massive reach has already allowed him to be a destructive force as a rookie, albeit in limited action. He has also shown strides this summer as evidenced by a 20 rebound game. The offense may lag behind the defense but his rebound and block numbers could be tantalizing.
His main issue is that he's strictly a center on the Jazz and stuck behind Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter on the depth chart. Kanter has shown the ability to rebound but has lacked consistency. That inconsistency has lead to questions about his future in Utah. If he leaves Gobert could get a great opportunity at a starting job as Favors can also play power forward. Minutes could be all Gobert needs for his skills to come together and really take off. I believe if the minutes are there the production will follow.
This is the only two for now. I will add three more players for this category in the next day or two.
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