ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks suspended starting point guard Dennis Schroder for one game for failing to return to the team on time following the All-Star break. He will not be with the team for Friday night’s home game against the Miami Heat. Rookie Malcolm Delaney will start in his place.
Schroder returned to his native Germany for the break and posted a photo on his Twitter feed on Thursday in which he was holding his visa. Schroder posted under the photo “FINALLY GOT MY VISA & CAN GET BACK TO WORK!!!” The Hawks apparently were not satisfied with Schroder’s explanation for his late return.
“Dennis and I have had a good conversation,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “… We’re all going to be better going forward. He’s a huge part of our success today and I think he will be going forward.
Schroder, averaging 17.5 points, is tied for 13th in the league with 6.3 assists per game. He is expected to rejoin the team for Saturday night’s game at Orlando.