Dennis Schroder's performance in the playoffs has made him an important player for the Detroit Pistons, raising questions about his future with the team. The veteran guard will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, a status covered by Hoops Rumors.
Schroder arrived in Detroit at the February trade deadline. He was viewed as important not just for the current season but also potentially beyond, as detailed in a report on his arrival in Detroit.
Through three playoff games, Schroder has demonstrated clutch shooting and provided valuable ball-handling support. He hit the winning shot in Game 2, securing the Pistons' first playoff win in 17 years against the New York Knicks.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff noted Schroder's composure in big moments. "He's played in so many big games, and when you go back and watch his history, he's clutch in big games," Bickerstaff said after the Game 2 victory. "There's no moment, there's no crowd, there's no noise that's too big or that's gonna rattle him."
Schroder's playoff shooting has surpassed his regular-season numbers with the Pistons. He shot 55.6% overall and 61.5% from 3-point range through three games, contrasting with his 37.8% field goal and 30.2% 3-point percentage in 28 regular season games with the team. This performance solidified his value, as noted in a Detroit Free Press story.
His role as a secondary ball-handler has been particularly valuable against aggressive defenses targeting Cade Cunningham. This need became apparent after Jaden Ivey suffered a left fibula injury earlier in the season.
Schroder's arrival at the trade deadline was seen as a move addressing a need without giving up assets. He helped the team navigate stretches without key players.
Schroder and pending unrestricted free agent Malik Beasley are positioned as key offseason decisions. Trajan Langdon and the staff must evaluate their roles after the team's most successful season in nearly two decades.
"He's another guy who can make plays and we can trust the ball in his hands," Jalen Duren said after the Game 2 victory.
