Dennis Schröder’s NBA future has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Dealt from the Raptors to the Nets to the Warriors to the Pistons and now the Sacramento Kings, his odds of a long-term NBA return are still doubtful. But if there’s one thing the point guard has learned, it’s that uncertainty in the NBA won’t shake him from his goals. Now, with a historic MVP performance and a EuroBasket win under his belt, Schroder’s actions are speaking louder than any contract.

What was the key to Germany’s gold finish? Their captain simply taking over. In a game against Turkey, Schröder came in clutch to clinch the championship, leading Germany to its first EuroBasket title since 1993. It’s a gold medal six years in the making. He also took home MVP honors for carrying the team to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 crown, making it rare for a player to clinch a double FIBA and EuroBasket title. This 2025 redemption feels all the more sweeter after years of hard work.

In this final game, Schroder made the game’s final six points. Together with Isaac Bonga, he led the team to an 88-83 victory over Turkey, led by Rockets star Alperen Sengun. Schroder gave the team its chance by scoring on a drive for a one-point lead with 1:15 left on the clock. He added another jumper with less than 20 seconds left on the clock. After Sengun missed a 3-pointer, Schroder nailed his free throws that put the gold squarely in Germany’s bag.

Following the historic win, Dennis Schröder gave a shoutout to the GOAT of German basketball, Dirk Nowitzki. He also revealed his turning point for the German national team, which started around the time Nowitzki retired. “Everybody called us the golden generation. I remember 2019 when we [were] in the group stage, we lost, and we was all in the locker room and we went, it was negative times,” he recalled.

Germany finished 18th among 32 teams in 2019, one of its worst records. Speaking of the journey to this point, the point guard said, “I think we built up from that. We stuck with it as a team. Gordie [former head coach Gordon Herbert], he made me captain and from there on everybody in this locker room respected that, made sure that everybody is, you know, working to the ultimate goal and that’s winning gold medals.”

This is also mostly the same core team that won the 2023 World Cup title under Gordon Herbert. With this squad, Schröder kind of has the confidence to pull a LeBron.

Dennis Schröder’s LeBron-like plans

“We got the bronze medal 2022, ’23, got gold, and fourth in the Olympics, and yeah, this summer we got gold again. And it’s a privilege for me to represent Germany and those guys in the locker room, the Federation coaching staff, medical staff. It’s just incredible to be around those guys every summer. That’s the reason why I want to do it until I’m 40,” he explained. Schröder got a few chuckles. Probably because this isn’t a new statement. And the team also seems keen on seeing a 40-year-old Dennis lead them when the time comes.

He even said after the Olympics, “I said I’m gonna play until I’m 40. I’m playing until I’m 40 years old; that’s my goal.” You can see where it comes from. Schröder’s been a fan of LeBron James long enough to want to emulate him. In 2022, he claimed that James is going to play at a high level till he is 45. That’s five more years of inspiring Schroder to play at the same level for Germany.

He wants to keep playing till he catches up to Bron to bring national pride back into German basketball. “I try to put Germany on the map and making sure that everybody, kids, and everybody get to basketball and all these young guys make it to the NBA or you know, go to the first league and make a fortune for their family and themselves, and that’s what it’s about.”

Schröder’s MVP performance and leadership in the EuroBasket win have provided a clear answer for his NBA future. His unwavering determination and clutch play on the biggest international stages are proof that he can perform at a high level. Ultimately, this win should cement his chances for a real NBA comeback.