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Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Resolution: Figure out this Dennis Schroder character.

The Atlanta Hawks aren't going to win another 60 games this year, but they've also shown enough through the first third of the season to alleviate any real worries about backsliding into the lottery after a franchise-best effort a year ago.

We think, anyway. The East is such a mosh pit of pretty good teams that almost anything seems possible.

Assuming the question of playoff contention isn't pressing, it'd be nice if the Hawks could settle on a defined role and future for backup guard Dennis Schroder.

Lightning quick, prone to breaking off plays in the interest of freelancing and possessed of a confidence that is as disruptive as it is valuable, Schroder remains a pivotal figure in Atlanta's plans. The Hawks have played much better with him on the floor than they have with starter Jeff Teague this season, per NBA.com, but Schroder's penchant for one-on-one attacks (often of the wild variety) sometimes derails Atlanta's precious system ball.

The numbers show playing him alongside Teague is a disaster.

So, what do the Hawks do with this guy? At 22, is he going to mature enough to take on starting duties when Teague's deal is up in 2017? Will he even wait that long? Unlikely. Might he eventually accept the bench-spark-plug role his game seems perfectly suited for?

More immediately: Can Atlanta trust him not to slip in the playoffs again?

The Hawks must resolve to find answers.