Inside The Nets

Dennis Schroder loves the freedom he has with the Brooklyn Nets

In just his first game, Schroder is already loving his life with the Nets.

Peter Sunjic

© Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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Dennis Schroder was the Nets’ prized acquisition during the trade deadline. He already feels at home in Brooklyn and is a natural fit for Coach Jacque Vaughn's system with his playmaking.

The German guard was the Nets’ standout against the San Antonio Spurs, coming off the bench with 15 points and 12 assists. He had plenty of highlight plays, including multiple successful passes to Nic Claxton, who scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

“Obviously, it’s great. I’m glad we got the win, I think that’s the most important. Appreciation is there, and I love that the fans did it, you know? Big time for me,” Schroder said in his post-game interview after the win. “Everybody in the locker room told me to just be myself and play basketball. Coaches said the same thing.”

Schroder’s freedom helps transform the offense

Schroder playing his style helps the Nets because they are playing at a faster pace. Having that speed benefits a point guard like Dennis because there will always be opportunities for his teammates to score when he makes the right pass.

Claxton was a big beneficiary of his pinpoint passes, but you can expect that to affect players like Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas, too. Having a playmaker rotation of Schroder, Ben Simmons, and Dennis Smith Jr. makes for a more balanced lineup because everyone gets an open look due to all three guards’ playmaking abilities.

The trio can keep playing their games to help promote Vaughn’s preferred free-flowing offense. That style was prominent against the Spurs, which you should expect to keep happening for the rest of the season.

The Nets fan base is already in love with Schroder

Dennis was getting chants at Barclays Center during his first game. That kind of connection to the fans is a special thing, and it gives a great first impression of the long-term project Brooklyn is building.

Schroder still has a year left in his contract after this season, so the fans will have more time to enjoy rooting for the German guard. Dennis should relish the joy of playing for the Nets because everyone, from the fans to the locker room, is excited to have him in the squad.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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