Nets’ Schröder looks back on ‘tough’ year
Dennis Schröder said he barely felt the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook the tri-state area on Friday morning. His wife was in town visiting, so she did not have to worry about him too much. She sent him a quick text to confirm he was safe and the two went about their business.
Schröder’s family still lives in Toronto even though he has been in Brooklyn since the trade deadline in February. While he has kept his head in the game, his heart has obviously been elsewhere.
“It’s tough,” Schröder said. “I mean, family is over everything for me. But I understand, my job is important as well. You know, I can look out for my people, my family, and that’s the reason why I do it every single day. That’s my motivation. And every time when I have an off day, I try to see them as much as I can and just being a pro.”
For Schröder, the Nets being eliminated from postseason contention means he will soon have plenty of time on his hands to reunite with his loved ones. But once quality time has been spent, the German point guard has a busy summer ahead.
“I got one more year on my contract, so I’m going to go back after the season, take some time off,” Schröder said. “I went to the Western Conference Finals last year, straight to national team, then into another season, 82 games. So, I’m going to take some time off, relax with the family and then Olympics in Paris. That’s my focus. And then of course, next season as well.”
Schröder certainty deserves some rest and relaxation. Since arriving from Toronto, he has averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists across his first 26 appearances with the Nets, firmly establishing himself as the team’s starting point guard.
The 30-year-old has shot 42.7% from the field and 43.9% from deep over that span and has logged five games where he has scored at least 20 points — including a season-high 31 points against the Detroit Pistons on March 7.
The Nets are just 10-16 with Schröder in the lineup this season, but anyone who has watched close enough knows that his presence has contributed to winning, even if the team’s record does not reflect it.
“It’s being great how he challenges players, how he’s a leader,” interim head coach Kevin Ollie said. “He’s a winner, Conference Finals, what he did with the German team, the national team, winning gold. I mean, he’s just a winner and he’s bringing that winning spirit and a competitive spirit here to the Brooklyn Nets.”
Brooklyn still has five games left but players are already reflecting on the season that was. And Schröder shared a few takeaways of his own following Friday’s practice.
“The group took me in really easy,” Schröder said. “It was a light transition for me just to be around this organization, my teammates, coaching staff, even training staff. They made it really easy for me, so I really appreciate that and grateful for that.
“I think team chemistry is always the biggest thing. Building that, I think we got to set the tone. Since I’ve been here, to get together as a team, we did a great job of that. I think, on the court, we got to make sure we are the most competitive group every single night. That gives you a chance to win a basketball game, especially in the NBA. And I think that’s about it, just competing on the highest level defensively and offensively. And we’ll be good.”