The Golden State Warriors just got their best game from Dennis Schroder since trading for him, with the career journeyman recording 15 points, six assists, and two steals on 5-9 shooting from the field (3-4 from three). However, if that’s what they were looking for when they made the move, then it’s unlikely he’ll genuinely be happy. Much like the Warriors’ decision to acquire Chris Paul last season, the trade never made much sense. Their overall talent levels aside, neither Schroder nor Paul were a smooth fit alongside Stephen Curry in the backcourt.
Over the years, Curry has grown accustomed to a hybrid role. Though nominally a point guard, the two-time MVP is running around screens so often, he’s more of an off guard. This is one reason why players like Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala, and Brandin Podziemski are so important. They can be de facto lead guards, even when Curry is on the court. With Schroder, the Warriors theoretically would’ve had at least three playmakers in the starting lineup, which would help their players get easier shots.
Flipping Dennis Schroder For Star Would Be Wise For Warriors
What Golden State didn’t seem to consider was how comfortable Schroder would be. That was also the case with Paul. Despite the future Hall of Famer having a tense relationship with Curry (that Green takes credit for creating) they brought him on board. They then took it a step further by having him come off the bench for the first time in his career. It was such a bad experience for Paul that he recently called it “one of (my) toughest years.”
Schroder is at least starting. However, it doesn’t sound like he’s all too enthused about the role he has to play.
Dennis Schröder explains the adjustment process he’s needed for the Warriors’ offense. Split action and some other nuanced rules, plus he’s being asked to run without the ball. pic.twitter.com/ORQPWze3PO
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 3, 2025
Though they initially made it seem like they want him to play his game, they just want to run the system they’re comfortable with. Perhaps just with a slight wrinkle.
Draymond Green on the Dennis Schroder trade: “I don’t think he was necessarily brought here to fit. We play a certain style of basketball he does not really play. We need someone who can do the things he does. I’m looking forward to us adjusting to him.”
— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) December 16, 2024
This is a problem that’s plagued their team in general this season though.
Old Dogs Don’t Like New Tricks
Despite Warriors head coach Steve Kerr lamenting the team’s inability to score consistently outside of Curry, he struggles to find comfort with running offenses that don’t revolve around the 36-year-old. The primary victim of Kerr’s lack of adaptability has been young forward Jonathan Kuminga. However, Schroder is falling into that same category. After averaging 18.4 points and 6.6 assists per game with the Brooklyn Nets, his numbers have almost been halved in Golden State. In eight contests, he’s averaged 9.9 points and 4.1 assists per game.
To make matters worse, he went from shooting 38.7 percent from three with the Nets to 26.3 percent with the Warriors. Though he could always right the ship, this is just more evidence that he still feels out of place in Golden State. Making a jumper isn’t just about skill and technique but comfort and confidence. As it’s unlikely the Monstars stole his powers on the flight to California, that leaves only one explanation.
Is Josh Green Available?
Ultimately, what the Warriors want isn’t someone with Schroder’s skillset. They want a perimeter player who is more of a catch-and-shoot guy but can operate as a facilitator on-ball. For that reason, it would be best to flip Schroder for Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green. Truthfully, the 2020 No. 18 pick isn’t the sexiest option on the market. Nonetheless, under-the-radar moves can turn out as well as the splash ones, or better.
I know this is a miss, but can we take a second to appreciate this LASER pass from Josh Green to PJ?! pic.twitter.com/fLikvlUXkb
— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights) April 27, 2024
To that point, Green is shooting 42.1 percent from three this season with a 56.3 percent three-point rate. Furthermore, while he’s not as adept as Schroder as a facilitator, he’s a more than capable playmaker. Lastly, though Schroder has been a pesk defensively, Green can be absolutely suffocating.
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