Veteran Point Guard Dennis Schröder Shines with Pistons After Multiple Trades

DETROIT — Veteran point guard Dennis Schröder, who began his NBA career in 2013, has found a new home with the Detroit Pistons after a turbulent start to the season. The 29-year-old, known for his versatility, joined the Pistons on Feb. 6, 2024, as part of a significant trade, showcasing his ability to adapt and contribute to a team.

Schröder’s extensive journey through the league includes tenures with nine different teams. Although he has never made an All-Star roster, he has established himself as a reliable player, receiving Sixth Man of the Year votes in four different seasons. His experience is vital for the Pistons, especially as they look to build a competitive roster.

Schröder’s playoff experience, including reaching the conference finals twice—first with the Atlanta Hawks in 2015 and again with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023—adds further value. As a backup for the Lakers during their playoff campaign, he averaged 7.4 points over 16 games while the team fell to the eventual champions.

This season, Schröder has already played for three teams, starting with the Toronto Raptors before his trade to the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 14, 2023. Following his acquisition by the Pistons, he quickly became an integral part of their lineup, averaging 10.8 points and 5.3 assists per game. He stepped up as a primary ballhandler in light of the injury to third-year guard Cade Cunningham, who has been sidelined since January with a broken fibula.

In addition to his contributions at the NBA level, Schröder’s international success with the German national team is noteworthy. He led Germany to its first international medal in basketball since 2005, earning a bronze at the 2022 EuroBasket and later securing a gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he also claimed the tournament MVP honors. His leadership was essential for Germany as they faced strong teams, ultimately finishing fourth at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Schröder wears the number 17 in honor of his late father, who passed away in 2009. The number also has a deeper significance, marking his selection as the 17th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Throughout most of his career, he has donned the No. 17 jersey, except for two seasons where he wore No. 71.

Despite his clear talent and contributions to teams, his frequent movement among franchises reflects the complexities of the NBA. While some players experience minimal success, Schröder’s impact has been substantial, having played in 842 NBA games. His ability to navigate multiple team changes, while still performing at a high level, speaks to his resilience and professionalism.

As the Pistons continue to develop their roster, Schröder’s experience and skill set could prove pivotal in guiding the team through challenges and helping them toward future success.