The Hawks sent Dennis Schroder to the NBA Development League on Wednesday in a roster moved aimed at bolstering the rookie’s development. He will be assigned to the team’s affiliate, the Bakersfield (Calif.) Jam.
Schroder has played sparingly since losing his backup point guard role to Shelvin Mack and with the return of Lou Williams. The 20-year-old has not played in seven of the past 10 games, including the past three. In the three games he has played since Nov. 15, he totaled 37 minutes, 27 of which came in a blowout loss to the Rockets last week.
“A big part of development is playing,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Where the rotations are right now, his best chance of opportunity to get court time and development is going to play games and minutes in the D-League.”
Budenholzer said there was no timetable for Schroder to return. His assignment leaves the Hawks with 13 players on the roster.
Schroder, a first-round draft pick, averaged 3.7 points, 2.5 assists and 1.1 rebounds in 13.9 minutes in 11 games. He struggled in games against the Knicks and 76ers on Nov. 13 and Nov. 15, with a combined seven turnovers. That was the beginning of his reduced role.
“NBA-ready is a unique word or an interesting word,” Budenholzer said when asked if Schroder was prepared to start the season in the league. “I think Dennis is a heck of a player. He played in NBA games, and he helped us some nights. We are excited about him and his future.”
The Hawks’ two other draft picks this year, Lucas Nogueira and Mike Muscala, are playing professionally in Spain. Jared Cunningham was assigned to the D-League last month.
Korver returns, ties record: Kyle Korver returned to the Hawks' lineup Wednesday night against the Clippers after missing four games with a bruised rib. The guard made his first 3-point attempt of the game to tie the all-time NBA mark of 89 consecutive games held by Dana Barros.
Korver had ice on his knees, and not his ribs, following the team’s morning shootaround. It was a good sign he was ready to return.
“It’s feeling a lot better,” Korver said.
Korver said he was unaware of when he was injured. He said he experienced pain following the game against the Celtics Nov. 23. It worsened and became an issue in the following game against the Magic on Nov. 26. He went 1-for-6 against the Magic with his only made basket a 3-pointer to continue his streak.
“In the Orlando game, it was hard to play and turn and take big breaths,” Korver said. “I’ve just been resting it. There isn’t much you can do. It’s frustrating to sit at home. My wife is so ready for me to be playing basketball again. I’m moping around the house in bad moods watching the games.”
Game picked up: SportSouth picked up Friday's game against the Cavaliers. The game was not part of the network's original 75-game schedule.
Taking Missouri: The SEC Championship game between Auburn and Missouri will be played in Atlanta on Saturday. Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll, a Missouri product, offered a prediction. Missouri 30, Auburn 21.
“I’m going for the Mizzou Tigers,” Carroll said. “I just went and bought me a 7-foot leather tiger for my house. I’ll put (a picture) on Twitter and show my dedication to Mizzou. I think I’m going to be at the game, maybe I’ll be on the sidelines.”
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