Dennis Schröder has an ambivalent relationship with his homeland. Nevertheless, it is clear where he will live after his time in the NBA.
Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schröder have one thing in common: they both carried the German flag at the Olympic Games. Nevertheless, Schröder sees a big difference:
“I was sitting in front of the TV at the age of 14 when Dirk Nowitzki carried the flag at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. At the time, I thought: How cool, there can’t be a greater appreciation than that,” said the current captain of the national basketball team in an interview with “Stern” magazine. “Today, however, I know that it’s a great honor, but it will never be the same for me as it is for Dirk. I won’t get the same love in this country because I have dark skin.”
Schröder on German expectations
Germans have certain ideas about how stars should behave. He, who indulged in expensive watches and luxury cars, especially in his younger years, never fit into this image. “I’ve made mistakes, I’m not perfect. Nevertheless, it’s wrong to judge someone you don’t know well,” said Schröder.
“It’s a social problem, and social media only makes this superficiality and hatred even stronger,” said the 31-year-old. “The fact that I was allowed to be the flag bearer doesn’t make this story any better.”
Schröder: Return to Braunschweig
Despite these negative experiences, Schröder wants to return to his hometown of Braunschweig after his time in the NBA. “Braunschweig is my home, I’m needed here. That’s why I bought the basketball club there, that’s why we’re planning academies, camps, and schools for young people,” said Schröder. “Many professionals stay in the US after their playing careers and enjoy their fame. But I belong in Germany.”
First, however, Schröder has the European Championships in Finland and Latvia starting on August 27, followed by the next NBA season with his new club, the Sacramento Kings. The point guard has clear expectations for the European Championships. “We will win the title. If I weren’t convinced of that, I wouldn’t play in the tournament and would rather spend my time in Braunschweig.”
