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Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is “excited” about what veteran guard Dennis Schröder brings to the table after Golden State acquired him from the Brooklyn Nets.
After Sunday’s 143-133 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Curry told reporters that Schröder can handle the playmaking duties when he’s off the court, adding that the German “gives us another guy that can attack a defense.” The two-time MVP also believes Schröder will make a “seamless transition” to the team and be a complementary figure in the backcourt.
Draymond Green is similarly bullish.
“I love the demeanor with which he carries himself,” the veteran forward said. “He carries himself like he belongs in every room, all the time. I respect people like that. Looking forward to being teammates, getting to know him better. But I know who he is and what he is, and that’s what important.”
Schröder averaged 18.4 points and 6.6 assists to open the season with the Nets. Those numbers will likely drop slightly because he likely won’t play 33.6 minutes a night with Golden State as long as Curry is healthy.
But there’s no doubt the Warriors will lean on the 31-year-old to be a forceful figure, especially with Curry on the bench.
Golden State has maintained a 120.2 offensive rating when Curry is on the floor, and that number drops to 101.8 when he gets subbed out, per NBA.com. This is not a new problem. Even at the height of their dynasty, the Warriors fell noticeably without Curry in the lineup.
De’Anthony Melton’s season-ending ACL injury made the need for backcourt help all the more pressing.
It’s no secret that Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. stalked a couple of blockbuster deals during the off-season. Although Schröder is not a big star, his arrival could be a big help for Golden State.