Inside The Nets

Dennis Schroder planning to play until the 40s, return to Germany in the twilight of his career

The Nets guard wants to maximize his longevity for his pro and international career.

Peter Sunjic

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With his craftiness and pure skill set as a 6-foot combo guard, Dennis Schroder has strongly carved a reputation for himself as one of the most seasoned players in the NBA. And as he proudly boasts these abilities for the Brooklyn Nets this season, he is determined to remain in the basketball scene for such an extended time.

Planning to beat Father Time

Dennis has been playing hoops since 2009 and went on to enter the NBA in 2013. He played for six different franchises besides the Nets, hasn't seized any devastating season-ending injuries, and has been accustomed to the various grinds provided by the game.

While he has no idea what will unfold next, he certainly has his focus set on playing basketball until the age of 40 and ultimately landing a return to Germany for the last leg of his professional career.

“I could easily play until I was 40. In the NBA until I was 35, 36, and then I could go back to Germany at a good level and shake up the league a little bit,” Schroder told German outlet Kicker.

Serve the Deutschland until the end

His bold intention of a long-term play isn't just for his individual career. Dennis also vies to apply it in his ongoing international service for the German national ball club.

Dennis has been a mainstay in Germany's senior basketball program since 2014. He notably powered his nation's gold medal run in last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila — the first-ever top finish by Germany in their World Cup participation history.

And for this year, he and his German troops are gearing up for the Summer Games in Paris, in which they are widely considered one of the main competitors for the Olympic gold.

“I have the feeling that I want to stay there for a long time, like Dirk Nowitzki back then. I can realistically assess if and how I can still help the team.”

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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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