Golden State Warriors guard Dennis Schroder embraces challenge of new team, new city

SAN FRANCISCO – Christmas is traditionally celebrated on Dec. 24 for Germans like Golden State Warriors newcomer Dennis Schroder^. And on this Christmas Eve, he kept up with their German tradition in America by taking part in a virtual family celebration with his wife, Ellen Ziolo, three children and other family members who were about 2,900 miles away in Brooklyn, New York.

“I called them [Tuesday] on FaceTime,” Schroder told Andscape following the Warriors’ 115-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. “Normally, you begin celebrating at 6 or 7 p.m. So, I called them at 4 [p.m.] here. They had their presents in Brooklyn. They sent me two gifts to my hotel that I opened up. I’m just here by myself. My family is [in BrookIyn], but they’re having a good time making sure they do it as a family and come together as well. It’s tough to miss those moments…

“I saw my kid who just turned 2 the first of December do so many things that I haven’t seen yet from just being away for two weeks. Putting together whole sentences together. Talking now. It’s tough not being part of something, an event or being there on a day-to-day basis, because you’re going to miss something.”

From celebrating Christmas without his family to still adjusting on the floor since he arrived, Schroder has been challenged since the Warriors acquired him.

Golden State landed Schroder and a second-round pick on Dec. 14 from the Nets for injured guard De’Anthony Melton, guard Reece Beekman and three second-round picks. Schroder was actually one of the top Eastern Conference guards in this young NBA season, helping the Nets to a better-than-expected 10-15 record while on the roster. He averaged 18.4 points and career-highs of 6.6 assists with the Nets this season and starred for Germany in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Kerr said he was “thrilled” when the Schroder trade was made.

“Dennis is such a good player,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who coached USA Basketball gold medal winning men’s national team during the 2024 Paris Olympics. “I’ve coached against him now in FIBA the last two summers. A playoff series against the Lakers a few years ago. He’s a gamer. Smart. Tough.”

But in his first four games with the Warriors, Schroder’s scoring average has dropped considerably from his Nets days. He is averaging 8.5 points on 28.2% shooting from the field, 4.0 assists and 1.0 3-pointers made per game in 27 minutes per game. The Warriors are also 1-3 since the arrival of Schroder, who has practiced just twice.

Kerr acknowledged that he is giving Schroder grace.

“He’s finding his way. It’s hard joining a team in the middle of the [season],” Kerr told Andscape after the loss to the Lakers. “You got to learn your teammates, new terminology, new sets. All that stuff. I thought he was good [against the Lakers]. I think he is going to get better and better…

“I never feel that a guy who has played three or four games should fit in perfectly. It’s going to take some time. We haven’t had much practice time. Long season.”

Schroder finally scored in double-figures for the first time with the Warriors with 11 points, five assists and one steal during the loss to the Lakers. He said his biggest challenge is fitting in on the court with the Warriors, most notably their four-time NBA champions Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who he views as future Hall of Famers.

Schroder says it reminds him of the challenge of playing with LeBron James when he was a Laker.

“When you have two Hall of Famers, you don’t want to take anything away from them,” Schroder said. “You just got to fit in. They want me to fit in, of course, but I got to play my style as well. To combine that, we just have to keep working on it. But we still have to get wins…

“I had it in L.A., same thing. You play, but you know LeBron James is on that court. Same here. Steph Curry is one of the best players who ever played. Draymond. It’s a different presence. But I still got to play my game. If I feel comfortable, you know what I can do [on the] defensive side and offensive side. But I need to feel comfortable. And when I feel comfortable, it’s going to shift.”

Kerr said he wanted Schroder to relax in order to comfortably fit in. Green and Curry also showed faith in Schroder.

“He has to know that we have confidence and belief in him,” Green told Andscape. “It’s a tough thing. Especially, when you’re coming to a team like this. Steph Curry, naturally, you’re going to fall back. But what we want Dennis to do is pull forward.”

Said Curry: “We want him to be as aggressive as he was in Brooklyn. That’s what is going to help us even more. And I know he knows that. So, I’m excited to see it keep getting better.”

While Curry and Green have only played for the Warriors, Schroder is an NBA journeyman now on his eighth team in 12 seasons. Schroder said he recently noticed he was the butt of jokes on Instagram for completing the rainbow colors of NBA uniforms after joining the Warriors. The 31-year-old played for the Atlanta Hawks from 2013-18 before suiting up for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Lakers (twice), Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors and Nets.

With Schroder being a free agent next summer, it’s possible he could end up playing for another new team. But instead of succumbing to the Instagram clowning, he is quite proud of being on an NBA roster knowing there are only around 450 players in the league.

“Twelve years in, I don’t really care no more,” Schroder said. “As long as I’m somewhere where I’m wanted and people appreciate me, and that is what I’ve had so far from the coaches. Steve Kerr is one of the best coaches. For him to believe in me like that, everybody in the organization telling me, ‘You kicked our ass the last couple of years.’

“Of course, that is great. If I can stick here, cool. But if not, then I will move on to next city and organization. I don’t really mind. There are 400 people out of eight billion who play in the NBA. I don’t take those moments for granted. I can play 25-30-35 minutes every night. I don’t care what nobody has to say. You played on eight teams. That’s fine. I’m really blessed. I have more money to spend and help my family.

“I’m settled. From where I came from to be able to own a team [in Germany], own real estate everywhere, to make my own businesses and play every night on an NBA hardwood floor, it’s a blessing.”

Schroder also revealed it has been tough for him to adjust off the court with the Warriors because normally his family is by his side whether he is playing in the NBA or for his native Germany. He is currently living in a hotel room the Warriors are paying for after the trade, but he is also looking to rent a home soon for his family and nannies to live in within the San Francisco-area. Once his family arrives, Schroder expects a boost in his play and to not miss out on any more special family moments.

“I’m really blessed to be here,” Schroder said. “But when the family comes the first week of January, then I think it’s going to elevate everything. Before, we got two wins now against L.A. [Clippers] and Phoenix. We got to get two. But when my family is here, I will feel comfortable.”

Said Kerr: “I just talked to him and asked him when his family is coming out? He said he was trying to get them out here as soon as possible. That will be helpful.”