Raptors’ Season Soars as Dennis Schroder’s Resilience and Skill Redefine Bench Impact
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LOS ANGELES—Dennis Schröder swiftly embraced a new Raptors reality, thriving despite initial reservations about being benched. While his discontent was evident earlier, the 30-year-old point guard now flourishes, showcasing resilience and contributing significantly to the team’s success. LOS ANGELES—Dennis Schröder’s transition to a new Raptors reality has been nothing short of spectacular. Initially bristling at being moved out of the starting lineup, the 30-year-old point guard publicly expressed his disappointment. However, times have changed, and Schröder is thriving in his evolved role. He continues to play a significant role, maintaining his scoring prowess and becoming a pivotal figure in crucial moments during games. Most notably, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the Raptors’ bench from a liability to a valuable asset. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic commends Schröder’s commitment to playing the right way on offence and his disruptive defensive contributions. This mentality has had a positive impact on the entire team.
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Dennis Schröder hatte in der Vergangenheit immer wieder bestritten, dass er 2021 ein Angebot der Los Angeles Lakers über 84 Millionen Dollar bekommen und abgelehnt hat. Nun konnte sich der Basketball-Weltmeister doch erinnern. #dennisschröder https://t.co/0YmOYvA9d1
— BILD Sport (@BILD_Sport) January 10, 2024
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The results speak for themselves. In the first seven games after Schröder’s move to the bench, Toronto boasts a 4-3 record. With the introduction of new starter Immanuel Quickley following a trade with the New York Knicks, both the first and second units, along with Schröder individually, have consistently delivered productive performances. The revamped bench, featuring Schröder, Gary Trent Jr., Chris Boucher, and the emerging Jontay Porter, is averaging nearly 36 points per game in this stretch. Remarkably, they have had three players score 20 points or more in a game twice, showcasing the newfound strength and depth of the Raptors’ roster. “I mean, everybody being ready,” Schröder emphasized on the team’s success. Just whoever steps on the floor, to have an impact on winning, plays the right way, shares the ball, and plays with confidence. And it’s been great so far. Schröder has truly become the anchor of the Raptors. Despite the shift to the bench, he maintains an average playing time of over 30 minutes, mirroring his role as a starter. With impressive stats of 14.8 points on 56.4% shooting and five assists per game, he not only contributes individually but also leads the team during critical junctures. Taking charge on the court, Schröder often partners with Quickley to bridge quarters and takes the reins in close games’ decisive moments. Boucher highlights Schröder’s impact, emphasizing how he sets the tone with an initial burst of energy, inspiring others to follow suit.
Coach Rajakovic recognized the need for a change in the starting unit, even before the trade that brought Quickley and RJ Barrett to Toronto. The strategic move to replace Schröder with Trent, albeit requiring Barnes to adapt quickly to a new position, was crucial. This decision stemmed from the realization that Malachi Flynn, now with the Knicks, wasn’t a competent starter. Schröder’s initial discontent with the bench role was understandable, but his commendable handling of the situation, albeit somewhat delayed, reflects his professionalism and dedication to the team’s success.”He said he was thinking about doing a change,” Schröder revealed about his initial conversation with Rajakovic. “He knows how effective I am in any role I play. When Schröder signed with the Raptors in July, replacing Fred VanVleet, there were uncertainties about what he would bring to the team. Over about 25 games, he developed chemistry with teammates like Barnes, Siakam, and Poeltl. However, the rapid cohesion he’s established with Barrett and Quickley following the trade has been a delightful surprise. This summer is where I saw how good of a basketball player he is,” Barrett praised Schröder. “Now, playing with Dennis, he’s so smart. He’s such a smart player. He’s a very, very good basketball player. He’s a joy to play with. Schröder has embraced every role the team has assigned him. “At the end of the day, it’s whatever it takes to win the basketball game,” he asserted. “For me, to be there at the end of games, to impact winning whenever I’m on the floor, it’s the most important.” This adaptability and commitment to the team’s success showcase Schröder’s versatility and dedication to making a meaningful impact.
Schröder is set to make a significant return to Los Angeles, a city where he spent two notable stretches with the Lakers. Drawing from his experiences with a team that had legitimate championship aspirations, Schröder reflects on playing alongside one of the greatest, LeBron James. I played with one of the best who ever played the game,” he acknowledges. “Respect them over there, all the players. Made the Western Conference finals last year. It was a really good accomplishment for us, but at the end of the day, I’m with Toronto now, trying to do something over here. Schröder’s connection with Lakers coach Darvin Ham runs deep, extending over a decade. Describing Ham as family, Schröder recounts their history, dating back to his drafting in 2013 when Ham served as an assistant coach in Atlanta. Their close relationship has endured, marked by numerous talks and shared experiences. Reflecting on his time with the Lakers and their success, Schröder expresses genuine affection for his former teammates. “LeBron, (Anthony Davis), (Austin) Reaves, all those guys are close friends as well… I hope they do good.” Despite the competitive shift to Toronto, Schröder’s sentiments reveal a lasting camaraderie and genuine support for the success of his friends and former team.
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