Nobody imagines the Raptors winning the NBA title, and even reaching the playoffs will be complicated. For Dennis Schroder, who replaces Fred VanVleet as the team’s leader, is a situation reminiscent of what he experienced with Germany a month ago. And we know the rest…
“If everyone behaves professionally, only thinks about winning and puts their ego aside” lists the world champion about the recipe for success. “I think that’s what we did this summer with the national team and I try to bring that into the dressing room. It’s great to have won the World Cup, but the NBA is different basketball. I have a lot of confidence in this group. I think we can do something.”
A great bond with Darko Rajakovic
To help him pull the team to the top, the World Cup MVP will be able to count on his complicity, even his friendship, with the new coach, Darko Rajakovic. The two worked together for two years in OKC, and he is more than happy to play under him.
“What I like about him is that he makes everyone feel responsible in the locker room. He doesn’t do this to push players down, but to elevate them. And this, from the first to the fifteenth player » continues Dennis Schroder. “It has its rules and its style of play. It doesn’t matter who you are, whether it’s the staff or the managers, you have to respect everyone. This is a step in the right direction. Everyone knows that this is how you have to play, and that you have to do this to become a great player. Put your ego aside and try to win! “.
Used to being the 6th man or offensive joker off the bench, Dennis Schroder will, as in the selection, start, and Darko Rajakovic thinks he will do perfectly. “We always stayed in touch” reports Nick Nurse’s replacement. “We had a big discussion when he signed for our team. On the style of play, the way we want to play and he fits that very well. »
While we mentioned the growing role of Scottie Barnes in the creation of the game, Darko Rajakovic recalls that Dennis Schroder is a chameleon in attack. “As you know, Dennis was a starting playmaker, a substitute playmaker… He played with the ball, but also without the ball. That’s what makes Dennis Schroder great. He does not require having the ball in his hands. We’ll have some very creative ways to use it.”
