"I just want to win" - Dennis Schroder on his move to the Brooklyn Nets

The German wants to be the Nets' leader moving forward.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Schroder got traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that sent Spencer Dinwiddie to the Raptors. While Spencer was solid for most of his time in Brooklyn, he struggled throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

Now, Dennis is ready to take on the challenge of being the team’s new starting point guard. The German guard flew to Brooklyn and watched the team play against the Cavaliers. After the game, Dennis took some and addressed the media.

“I mean, it don't matter what the circumstances are. I just want to win, you know, and having that mentality of doing it as a team. Having a leader out there and just talking to teammates, even if it's a bad situation,” Schroder said about embracing a leadership role on his new team.

“I mean, I'm always trying to be straightforward with guys, and I want people to be the same way with me. If they see anything, what I can do better, just call it out, and then we go from there," he added.

Dennis' playmaking matters for the Nets

Brooklyn has needed a natural playmaker for most of the year. Ben Simmons, who is supposed to be that guy for the Nets, got injured, which led to Spencer becoming the team’s primary ball-handler. 

It was a natural progression, but the former Colorado Buffalo struggled in his role, often playing a slower style, which was not what Coach Jacque Vaughn wanted to see.

Dennis will be huge in that aspect because he’s a playmaker first. He is averaging 6.1 assists per game, which can lead to great results when he plays with superb perimeter scorers like Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges.

The value of having a leader

Aside from his playmaking, Dennis wants to be a leader, and he’s ready to hold himself and his teammates accountable for what happens on the court. The German guard is all business and will keep helping the team grow.

The Nets hope to benefit from having Schroder’s winning mentality as they continue to work towards making the Playoffs this season. It will be a rough path toward that goal, but Dennis gives them the stability as a point guard while providing leadership and experience.

Dennis Schröder discussed how his FIBA experiences have helped him this NBA season:

"Just having honest conversations and if you see something we can do better to help the team, we should do it. If we head into that direction, we will win a lot of game" pic.twitter.com/xShAfTdOr9

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) February 9, 2024

The Nets trade Spencer Dinwiddie for Dennis Schröder, Thaddeus Young