2 Raptors whose stocks are skyrocketing, 2 that are fading fast
By Mike Luciano
Stock Up: Dennis Schroder
Schroder is making everyone who doubted his two-year contract following Fred VanVleet’s departure eat their words, as he has immediately seized control of the starting point guard job and has been, without a doubt, their most consistent non-Barnes threat on the offensive side.
Not only is Schroder averaging 16.9 points and 8.9 assists per game in what would be one of the finest stretches of NBA basketball in years, but he’s making 41.7% of his 3-pointers this season. Schroder’s eFG% on catch-and-shoot attempts is second in the NBA, trailing only Oklahoma City Thunder rookie sensation Chet Holmgren.
Dennis Schroder is making plays for the Toronto Raptors.
Even if Schroder doesn’t maintain these extraordinarily gaudy numbers for the entire season, the Raptors must keep empowering him. His ability to use his speed to break down defenses, get to the basket, and distribute to Jakob Poeltl in pick-and-roll scenarios has been exceptional.
While Schroder hasn’t been an All-Defensive favorite at point guard, Schroder has been a convincing facsimile of Fred VanVleet on that end by causing turnovers and being a pest above the arc. Schroder and Rajakovic have a special connection, and that connection must be milked for all it is worth.