Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN staff writer
SAN FRANCISCO — It didn’t take long for Dennis Schroder to get over the initial shock of being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Golden State Warriors.
Even though Schroder and his family just recently moved into a new home, the point guard is starting to think about playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and playing for Steve Kerr.
“Just being able to be around them now, especially Steph,” Schroeder said Tuesday after playing with his new teammates. “He’s one of, if not the best point guard ever. Certainly the best shooter. It’s great to see him perform and be a part of it.
“I’ve played with a lot of future Hall of Famers over the past few years. Him and Draymond now will make it complete.”
The Warriors couldn’t wait to add the 12-year veteran to the mix. Since a 12-3 start, they have lost eight of their last 10 games.
Kerr said Schröder could be in the starting lineup when the Warriors take on Memphis on Thursday. The Warriors coach likes the idea of playing two point guards together so Schroeder can help Curry create some easier scoring opportunities.
Kerr said Schroeder will be the point guard on the court and help organize the second unit in “non-Steph” time.
“We need to take some of the load off Steph,” Kerr said. “I think he’s going to have to carry an unusually heavy load offensively this year.
“What we’re missing is another pick-and-roll player so Steph doesn’t have to wear himself out with so many pick-and-rolls throughout the game.”
Kerr said the Warriors could use Schroder in the pick-and-roll, just like they did with Chris Paul last season.
Schroeder averaged 18.4 points, 6.6 assists per game, and shot 38.7% from three-point range. The Warriors need another scorer to help Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga.
Schroeder would also be a welcome addition on defense. The Warriors hope Schroder can help fill the void left by De’Anthony Melton due to a season-ending knee injury. The two-way guard is a starter when healthy and is considered a valuable partner alongside Curry. Melton and Reese Beekman were traded to Brooklyn along with three second-round picks for Schroder and a second-round pick.
“It’s really, really exciting to play with Draymond,” Schroeder said. “We have a really good relationship. Really looking forward to playing on the court with another Hall of Famer who’s always been terrible when you’re on the other side of the court, cussing, trash-talking and just being competitive. , and then come out of there and combine with victory. [our defense and competitiveness] Now is very unique and special. “
Kerr said Schroeder played against Curry’s team in scrimmages to allow Curry to adjust to the second unit. But Schroder is also looking forward to playing alongside Curry.
“Every time I see the Golden State Warriors play, you get excited because that’s how he plays,” Schroeder said. “He plays like a video game… He’s one of the superstars that I respect a lot because he doesn’t care if he scores 10, 20, 30 or 40.
“I’m really excited. I can’t describe it.”
