Why Dennis Schroder is so much better for Germany than in the NBA explained after EuroBasket success

Tim Legler explains why Dennis Schroder steps up his game for Germany

NBA fans already knew that Schroder was a quality player, but many have newfound appreciation for his game after watching him at EuroBasket 2025.

The German international averaged 20 points, three rebounds, and seven assists at the tournament, compared to 11 points, three rebounds, and five assists with the Detroit Pistons last season.

Tim Legler has experience as a role player in the NBA and knows exactly what makes Schroder step up his game when representing his country.

He said on the All NBA Podcast: “First of all, you and I were talking right before we came on air, and I said, ‘I’ve always liked Dennis Schroder, I’m a Schroder guy,’ and you said, ‘So are you.’

“Every team he has been on, starting from the very beginning of his career, when people didn’t really know much about him… The guy plays both ends of the floor. He’s phenomenal at ball pressure. He fights over screens on the perimeter. He takes that end seriously.

“And he’s just a really good offensive player with a crazy start-stop ability. His ability to go from lulling you to sleep to getting upright and bursting by you… He’s just got that next gear.

“It’s just different with [Germany]. His empowerment and the way that he knows all of those guys are looking at him specifically to be able to make a couple of the plays we just talked about.

“They have other guys on the team who are NBA players. Dennis Schroder has certain things that he can do that none of those guys on that team can, so they’re looking for him to make those difficult shots and make those difficult plays.

“He’s always had good numbers as an NBA player, but it’s just different because there are always going to be other options. At times, Dennis Schroder probably isn’t even sure whether it’s a good shot or a bad shot. He’s not sure because he’s out there playing with player X in an NBA uniform.

“His own mentality is different. There is no thought process when you’re Dennis Schroder playing on a team like this. Nothing is interrupting your ability to just go and ball.”

Tim Legler compares Dennis Schroder to San Antonio Spurs legend

Legler compared Schroder to another ex-NBA point guard who improved whenever he played international basketball.

Patty Mills, who played 10 seasons and won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs, was Australia’s first option for many years.

“Patty Mills was always the same way in international competition,” Legler continued. “He was so empowered on the national team because he had the ultimate green light.

“They’re counting on him to do it. They want him to do it. They don’t care how many times he misses.

“Schroder is playing with that same freedom between the ears, and it’s really liberating for a player. That’s probably the best way I can explain it.”