During his third NBA season, Schroder once again slotted in on the Hawks' second unit behind Jeff Teague and proved to be one of the more accomplished backup point guards in the league. While the Hawks would have loved to hand Schroder more than the 20.3 minutes per game he received, his lack of success playing off the ball alongside Teague limited the flexibility of coach Mike Budenholzer's rotation. Fortunately for Schroder, it appears the Hawks are now ready to commit to him in a full-time starting role, as Teague was dealt to the Pacers in June as part of a three-team trade. Veteran Jarrett Jack was signed in the offseason to provide some stability behind Schroder in the event he endures some growing pains in the transition to starting duties, but there's little reason to believe the 23-year-old won't rise to the occasion. Per 36 minutes last season, Schroder turned in averages of 19.5 points, 7.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 three-pointers and 1.6 steals, numbers that would put him in the upper tier of fantasy point guards. He probably can't count on quite that much playing time night in and night out, but Schroder could nonetheless be in line for a significant upgrade in fantasy value that's perhaps comparable with the prominence Reggie Jackson gained after his move from the Thunder to the Pistons in February 2015. In order for the German-born point guard to take his game to greater heights, however, he'll need to show a more reliable jumper, but even with that shortcoming, his ceiling remains quite high. If he thrives to the extent the Hawks believe he can, Schroder, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, could be looking at a huge payday next summer.

In his sophomore season, Schroder posted 10.0 points on 8.6 field goal attempts, 2.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 20 minutes per game through 77 regular season games. Schroder shot 43 percent from the field, 35 percent from deep, and 83 percent from the free-throw line, improving his form and gaining confidence as the season went on. However, during 16 postseason games, his averages slipped to 9.0 points on 9.1 field goal attempts, 1.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 0.6 steals in 18 minutes per game on 39 percent from the field, 24 percent from beyond the arc, and 86 percent from the charity stripe. The "German Rondo" turns 22 in September, and he has been training with the German National Team this summer in preparation for EuroBasket. If Jeff Teague were to get hurt at any point, Schroder showed in 2014-15 that he's capable of getting it done, with averages of 14.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 0.7 steals in 29 minutes per game during 10 games as a starter. Schroder is under team control through 2016-17.

The 17th-overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, German point guard Dennis Schroeder has shown flashes of real talent in his NBA career to date, but he's still just 20 years old and very much a project at this point. In a perfect world for ex-Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, Schroeder would develop into a Tony Parker-style drive-and-dish point guard, who's best off breaking down opposing defenses with his dribble and quickness and setting up teammates for easy baskets. While he's shown flashes of that potential, especially in summer league play, Schroeder has been far too turnover-prone to this point. He averaged 3.4 turnovers per 36 minutes as a rookie and an ugly 4.5 turnovers through six games in Vegas this summer. Right now, it seems Schroeder will spend much of the season as Atlanta's third point guard, well behind starter Jeff Teague and backup Shelvin Mack on the depth chart.

Schroder is a wild card, a true sleeper entering 2013. He may continue his brilliant play from the Las Vegas Summer League and parlay that into considerable playing time, or he may fizzle under the pressure of playing in the NBA at 20. If any of his highlights from the offseason are any indication, Hawks fans could be in for a treat. Small, but electric, Schroder is a penetrator and more of a playmaker than incumbent Jeff Teague, who is a natural scorer. The injury to Louis Williams may be just the opportunity the rookie needs to make an impact early. If he does, do not expect him to be relegated to the bench once Williams returns.