FIBA success does not always translate to the NBA. The rules, ball, and court dimensions are slightly different and, despite the massive growth in the international presence within the NBA, the overall competition level at FIBA tournaments still isn’t close to comparable.
However, what Dennis Schroder, whose main job (for now) is playing point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, has accomplished for his native Germany this summer has to intrigue Brooklyn’s brass. Unlike former Nets Andray Blatche and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who put up monster numbers in losing causes for the Philippines and Jordan, respectively, in past international events, Schroder has led his club to 11 consecutive victories between the 2023 FIBA World Cup championship and the three Pool Play contests at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Schroder took the spirit out of the home crowd early in Germany’s 85-71 triumph over France on Friday, scoring 15 of his 26 points in the first half to help build a 21-point cushion by intermission. During pool play, he has averaged nearly 20 points and a tournament high 9.3 assists per game on a 54.8/40.9/100 shooting split.
Small sample and competition quality disclaimers aside. it’s the leadership that has been most impressive. It’s why Schroder was selected to be Germany’s flag-bearer at the Games’ Opening Ceremonies. And when his team needed a bucket to quell a late French uprising, they put the ball in Schroder’s hands. Whether it was setting up Franz Wagner or scoring on his own (including a delicious finish attacking French freak Victor Wembanyama at the rim), he delivered.
Whereas there have been few bigger stars on the international stage, Schroder’s NBA reputation has taken a hit since he famously rejected a reported 4-year, $84 million offer to extend with the Lakers in March 2021. Now 30, he seems entrenched in journeyman status within league circles, as evidenced by his suiting up for five different teams over the last three seasons.
It’s quite possible that he will be headed to a sixth destination at some point this upcoming season. Schroder’s Olympic feats have been garnering notice. The Nets, who acquired him from Toronto in the Spencer Dinwiddie trade at February’s trade deadline, appear to be in tanking mode. Schroder doesn’t seem to fit their timeline and, with just this year left on his contract with a $13 million salary cap hit, he should be easily tradeable to a team with a backup point guard need for the postseason. Or sooner.
Then again, it might behoove Brooklyn General Manager Sean Marks to keep Schroder around his relatively young squad for a bit longer. I’m under no illusions as to Schorder’s limitations on defense at 6-feet 1 or his ability to create offense off the dribble. Like Dinwiddie before him, he can get too aggressive and make poor decisions. But other than Cam Thomas, who else on this team will want the ball with the shot clock running down?
More importantly, Schroder seems to get how a team needs to function, that others also need to eat before he takes his shot portion. That’s crucial for any point guard, never mind one that will often be surrounded by teammates who will also be playing for new contracts.
In his 29 post-trade games for Brooklyn, Schroder averaged 6 assists per game. That’s not an eye-popping number by any means, but it was more than any other Net could muster, and that included Dinwiddie and the brief cameo that was Ben Simmons.
Other than Schroder and Simmons, who will be attempting a comeback from a second back surgery, Brooklyn boasts no other true point guards among those on the roster with guaranteed contracts. (Note: Killian Hayes, the former No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft who was cut by Detroit last season, is reportedly on an Exhibit 10 deal in Brooklyn, making him a longshot to make the team out of training camp, though I believe a two-way deal is possible.) I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my fill of Trendon Watford: Point Guard from last season.
The Nets haven’t given any inkling about their intentions with Schroder going forward. There haven’t been any leaks regarding trades or buyout talks. Schroder, meanwhile, has publicly stated his preference for remaining in Brooklyn.
Despite all the praise being currently thrown in Schroder’s direction, my guess is that the market won’t be as robust for him as some think. I can’t imagine any team surrendering a first-round pick. Since it’s not like the Nets need more 2s in their asset cupboard, I hope he sticks around to provide a positive influence for those who will develop into part of their future core. The league may be trending younger thanks to the new collective bargaining agreement, but never underestimate the value of veteran leadership. Should the Nets opt to rid themselves of guys like Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Bojan Bogdanovic, they will be doing so at their own big picture peril.
Wherever the ultimate decision lands, Schroder’s Olympic performance has been a small ray of sunshine during a gloomy summer in Brooklyn.
Steve -
well written and totally agree here. I like DS's influence on the young core and think he is an excellent ball distribution oriented leader. Size is a problem on def, but hopefully with Clax, Clowney & CJ (the way it's looking now) out there with him in the starting lineup, it won't be too much of a disaster. For better or worse, with some growth from Clax, Clowney, Wilson, Sharpe (and even Watford) - I see this team winning more games than last year. And while i know that will disappoint many fans, as a season ticket holder, i would rather see more wins than fewer, and we will just take our chances with the bouncing balls in the spring.