Dennis Schroder has cemented his place as one of the greatest players Germany has ever produced, but the veteran guard admits he feels he’ll never be embraced like Dirk Nowitzki.
The current German national team captain reflected on his path compared to the country’s most iconic basketball figure, in an interview with Stern.
“When I was 14, I sat in front of the TV watching Dirk Nowitzki carry the flag at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing,” Schroder said. “Back then I thought: how cool, there’s no greater honor.”
Now 31 years old, Schroder says the reality is different for him.
“It’s a great honor, but for me it will never be the same as for Dirk,” he explained. “I will never receive the same love in this country, because I am dark-skinned.”
Schroder’s words cut deep, especially considering everything he has accomplished on the international stage.
Last summer, he captained Germany to a historic FIBA World Cup championship, earning tournament MVP honors along the way.
With EuroBasket on the horizon, Schroder didn’t hesitate when asked about the national team’s ambitions.
“We’re going to win the title,” he said. “If I weren’t convinced of that, I wouldn’t play the tournament and would rather spend my time in Braunschweig.”
Schroder has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and his comments highlight the complexities of being a trailblazer in German basketball.
While Nowitzki remains the gold standard, Schroder continues to write his own legacy, one built on belief, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to winning.
Schroder’s had a lengthy NBA career that included stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Toronto Raptors, but hasn’t yet been able to secure a championship in his 12 seasons in the league.
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