Dennis Schröder’s North American journey continues in his twelfth NBA season. The Sacramento Kings are already the tenth team for which the DBB captain will play. But the 31-year-old makes it clear that this time it’s different.
Ten teams in twelve years, seven of them in the last five seasons. Dennis Schröder’s NBA career with the Atlanta Hawks once started out so stable and steady, but now the Braunschweig native is permanently living out of a suitcase. Last season alone, Schröder played for three different teams. Now the 31-year-old has made his next move.
“I am really, really grateful for this opportunity,” Schröder said at the introductory press conference with his new team, the Sacramento Kings. The point guard had just signed a new three-year contract worth a reported $45 million in the Californian capital. However, he seemed even happier about the recognition he received from general manager Scott Perry than about his secure future in the world’s best league: “Getting this commitment from an organization, from Scott, is something I haven’t had in recent years.”
No wonder: In 2023, Schröder, then still with the Toronto Raptors, had signed a two-year contract. Ultimately, he wore the jersey of four different teams during that time. “I always take the positive out of it,” he clarified. “Last season, I was with three teams and had the opportunity to get to know Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Then with Detroit, Cade Cunningham and all the guys.”
“Kicking everyone’s ass”: Schröder looking forward to new role with Kings
Now Schröder, a father of three, is hoping for a return to a more peaceful everyday life. A prerequisite for this is sporting success. The captain of the German national team is certain that they have everything they need to achieve this. “We have a lot of talent. (…) We want to go out there and make sure we kick everyone’s ass. And that’s what we’re going to do.”
As in Detroit, Schröder is claiming a leadership role for himself: “If I have to take ten to 15 shots in a game because that’s what the game tells me to do, then I’ll do it. But apart from that, I’ll always try to dictate the game, put my teammates in a position to be great. And most importantly, win the game.”