After a valiant Olympics campaign that ended in a defeat against France, in an interview with Senior NBA Writer Marc J. Spears, Nets guard Dennis Schroder discussed the importance of representing Germany to him, as well as his desire to stay in Brooklyn. However, given the current direction of the Nets, does it make sense to retain the 31-year-old veteran?
Last season, after getting traded to the Nets, Schroder averaged 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 42% FG, 41% 3PT, and 80% FT in 29 games. These numbers are impressive, especially the efficiency from 3PT. However, it is not uncommon for players to go on a stretch of excellent play after being traded, the most recent example being Mikal Bridges, who averaged 26 points after getting traded to the Nets. While Schroder’s 41% from 3PT looks impressive, given his age, it is more likely to be an outlier, as his career 3PT% is closer to 34%.
While Schroder’s comments are positive, one of the major goals for the Nets next season is to tank games in order to get a top lottery pick. Having savvy veterans like Schroder can be valuable for rebuilding teams; however, the Nets need to lose games and develop young players. Unfortunately, Schroder gets in the way of both of those goals. One of the concerns with having Schroder on the team on opening night is his role on the team. Given that he is 31 years old and making $13 million, it is difficult to envision the Nets sending Schroder to the bench and playing limited minutes. The problem with that is, for the sake of Cam Thomas’ development, Schroder cannot be a starter.
Dennis Schroder is a 6'1" point guard with a 21.8% usage rate and a 7.0 time of possession (TOP) post-All-Star break, ranking him 9th in TOP. For comparison, Cam Thomas had a 4.1 TOP post All-Star break, meaning Schroder had the ball in his hands the most while on the Nets last season. One of Cam Thomas’ biggest weaknesses is his lack of playmaking, which is exacerbated by him spending a large portion of each possession off the ball, leaving him with less time to make a decision—typically resulting in a field goal attempt. In order for Cam Thomas to improve as a player and possibly become an All-Star, he needs to improve as a primary ball handler, and Schroder could potentially take away that opportunity from him. Aside from Cam Thomas, recent young signings such as Keon Johnson and Killian Hayes may also have opportunities taken away from them, as both are ball-handling guards who need developmental minutes.
It is possible that Schroder’s recent performance in the Olympics has raised his trade value. During his time with Germany, he averaged 18 points and 7.8 assists on 47% FG, 38% 3PT, and 88% FT. Fans have a positive opinion of Schroder; by no means is he a bad player. However, given that the Nets are in a rebuild, it is difficult to guarantee minutes to a veteran guard who has expressed a desire to win. Unless Schroder is willing to take a lesser role on a tanking Nets team, it would be best for both parties to move on from each other.
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