Dennis Schroder signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Toronto Raptors this offseason.
Schroder led Team Germany to their first Gold Medal at the FIBA World Cup and won tournament MVP. The guard averaged 19.1 points and 6.1 assists and was a key piece to the Germans winning it all.
Now he shifts his focus to getting ready for the upcoming season with his new team and new head coach. Schroder appeared on NBA Today, revealing why he decided to leave the Lakers to sign with the Raptors this summer:
“I met Darko Rajakovic 5 years ago in OKC. We became friends and I liked how he was coaching. He called me right away when he took over and I definitely said to my agent I want to be there, I want to be a part of that. I think it’s a great fit.”
The Raptors are hoping Dennis Schroder’s connection with Darko Rajakovic goes a long way this season. Rajakovic does have a decision to make regarding Schroder’s role with this team. He will either use him as the Raptors starting point guard or bring him from off the bench as the sixth man.
Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby and Jakob Poeltl seem to be the for sure starters in the starting lineup so it seems like it may come down to Schroder or Gary Trent Jr. for that final spot. Which could mean a potential battle between the two throughout training camp and preseason.
Regardless, Schroder should have a prominent role as he tries to keep the Raptors competitive this season.
Barnes expects ‘great things’ this season
Toronto had the makings of being a playoff team last season, but struggled to find consistency all year long. Blowing a 19-point lead and losing in the Play-In Tournament at home was something fans do not want to experience again.
The Raptors decided to hold onto Siakam and Anunoby, re-sign Poeltl and brought in Schroder to replace the loss of VanVleet.
Barnes says fans can expect ‘great things’ this upcoming season after a disappointing finish last year.
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