Dennis Schroder has a lot of momentum going his way just weeks before the entering training camp with the Toronto Raptors to prepare for the 2023-24 NBA season. He helped lead Germany to winning Gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, earning MVP honors for the tournament.
Schroder shouldered a heavy load Germany as the team’s head of the snake, averaging 19.1 points and 6.1 assists in 28.6 minutes per game. He stepped up against Serbia in the championship game by recording 28 points, two rebounds, and two assists in the 95-86 victory over Canada.
During an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, Schroder revealed that having the chance to play for recently hired Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic was a pivotal reason in his decision to join the team. Schroder previously was on the Oklahoma City Thunder when Rajakovic was an assistant coach.
“I think Darko — the head coach,” said Schroder on choosing the Raptors in free agency. “This is his first year as a head coach as well. I met him 5 years ago in OKC, we became friends and I like how he was coaching myself and the team. He called me right away when he took over and I definitely said to my agent that I want to be there, I want to be a part of that.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder & Toronto Raptors Updates
Schroder envisions being able to initiate the offense frequently with the Raptors as he did with Germany during the World Cup. He sees it as being a great fit for that reason in addition to the way he can enhance Toronto’s defense alongside its array of versatile wings.
“I think it’s a great fit, just to play like in the national team type — handle the ball a little bit more, go out and run,” Schroder said. “On the defensive end, active, and just run up our defense. I think it’s a great fit.”
Schroder filled a helpful role with the Lakers, averaging 12.6 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 66 games. His production in the team’s run to the Western Conference Finals helped to solidify his value for free agency enough to command a two-year, $25.4 million contract from the Raptors.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dennis Schroder & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Raptors quickly encountered the need to replace Fred VanVleet’s production following his departure to sign a three-year, $128.5 million contract with the Houston Rockets. Schroder will have a chance to play a pivotal role as an initiator, while adding speed to the team’s defense.
The Raptors will look to be more competitive in 2023-24 after finishing with a 41-41 record last season, resulting in a 10th place finish in the Eastern Conference standings. Without having traded Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby despite no shortage of NBA trade rumors at different points, Toronto remains focused on being competitive.
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