Dennis Schroder could force Warriors to change approach

Steve Kerr's Golden State Warriors are playing a unique brand of basketball this season. The veteran head coach is using a deep 12-man rotation, which allows the Warriors to operate at breakneck speed on offense and exert significant energy with their high-intensity defensive system. 

On Saturday, the Warriors struck a deal to bring Dennis Schroder to the Bay Area. As part of the move, the franchise is sending the Brooklyn Nets De'Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman and two future second-round draft picks. 

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez spoke to the media on Monday, noting that Schroder's departure will lead to his team playing at a higher tempo.

"Dennis was a bottom-10 or the 10th-slowest point guard in the NBA — pace doesn't mean you're better or worse — and Ben is 18th-fastest. So, right there is the answer," Fernandez said. "We're going to try to play faster. The ball is going to fly; he's going to push, he's going to throw it ahead, and we have more opportunities to get those shots early in the clock. The high-quality shots."

The Warriors currently rank eighth in the NBA for pace of play, averaging 100.7 possessions per game. Kerr likes his team to get out in transitions, attack space and limit opposing teams from setting up their half-court defense. Therefore, it's clear that either Kerr or Schroder must adjust their approach moving forward. 

Schroder was arguably the Nets' best player this season. He's been impressive in recent years, including when playing for the German national team. As such, Kerr may view his addition as an opportunity to adjust his team's style and potentially shorten the rotation.

Running a 12-man rotation was never going to be sustainable. Eventually, Kerr would need to shorten his game selection, which would have made the Warriors' approach risky. Schroder provides a different option, especially if it means Steph Curry can embrace more off-ball opportunities. 

Golden State is in flux. A string of young players are slowly earning their spots in the rotation, and its star players are in the twilight of their careers. A change in approach could be welcomed, especially if it benefits the evolving Warriors and potentially leads to a strong postseason push.

Of course, if things don't work out, the Warriors still have more than enough time to flip Schroder ahead of the trade deadline.