Steve Kerr is nothing but ecstatic that the Bay Area will welcome a brand-new face in Dennis Schroder.
Ahead of the Golden State Warriors’ Sunday showdown against the Dallas Mavericks, Kerr expressed his excitement that he’ll be able to finally identify the veteran as an ally after years of being a huge torn at his side.
“I’m thrilled,” Kerr said of Schroder. “I told Dennis today he’s kicked my ass on three different continents … If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
Facing him from past key occasions, Kerr holds a strong familiarity about Schroder and keenly understands what the German star can bring to the table.
As it is, Schroder played a pivotal role in Kerr and the Warriors’ failed title defense in 2022-23. Averaging 10.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 boards, the 31-year-old aided the Los Angeles Lakers in taking down Golden State in their six-game West Semis encounter.
And just a few months later on the international stage, Kerr saw another brutal experience in the hands of Schroder. Leading Germany, the seasoned guard and eventual tournament MVP ended the gold medal hopes of the Kerr-led Team USA squad in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup semi-final round.
Golden State’s acquisition of Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets couldn’t be more critical as it offers a massive win for the franchise. Enduring the season-ending loss of De’Anthony Melton, the Warriors took an urgent move to address the void by tabbing another reliable role player like Schroder.
Schroder, who averaged 18.4 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.0 boards for 23 games for the Nets before being traded, is projected to deliver impactful plays as the newest backcourt mate of Stephen Curry. With his playmaking and crafty scoring skill set, he’ll bring tremendous elements to the Warriors’ well-rounded system.
“He’s a gamer, he’s a competitor, pick-and-roll player, two-way player,” Kerr added about Schroder. “He will fill what Melton was doing for us in terms of being able to play off the ball, excellent defender, long wingspan. He’s a steals guy, forces turnovers, pace.
“Everything that we need, we feel like he can provide.”
Schroder reportedly will arrive in San Francisco to join the team on Monday. He is expected to make his Warriors debut on Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
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