Dennis Schroder, a prominent figure on the German national basketball team, has recently opened up about his feelings of discrimination compared to the legendary Dirk Nowitzki, a beloved icon in German basketball. In an interview with ‘Stern’, the 31-year-old point guard shared his perspective on the challenges he faces as a Black athlete in Germany, emphasizing that he believes he will never receive the same level of affection from fans as Nowitzki, who is of German descent.
Schroder, who played a pivotal role in Germany’s historic victory at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where the national team claimed its first championship, expressed his sentiments candidly. “When I was 14 years old, I sat in front of the TV to watch Dirk Nowitzki carry the flag at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. I thought: how cool, there is no greater honor. It’s a great honor, but for me, it will never be the same as it was for Dirk. I will never receive the same affection in this country because I have dark skin,” he stated.
Born in Braunschweig to a German father and a Gambian mother, Schroder began his basketball journey at the age of 11 after transitioning from skateboarding. Since then, he has become a key player for Germany, especially following Nowitzki’s retirement from international competition after EuroBasket 2015. Schroder’s achievements include not only the World Cup title but also a bronze medal at the 2022 European Championship and a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
While Schroder has made significant contributions to German basketball, he acknowledges the shadow cast by Nowitzki, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Nowitzki’s illustrious career includes a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, 14 All-Star selections, and a remarkable 21 seasons spent with the same franchise. He is celebrated for elevating German basketball to new heights, achieving milestones that have yet to be matched by Schroder.
Nowitzki’s impact on the sport in Germany is profound, as he not only brought home medals during his playing career but also inspired a generation of players, including Schroder. The legendary forward’s accolades include being the fifth all-time leader in games played in the NBA and the sixth all-time leading scorer, with 31,560 points to his name. His legacy remains a benchmark for aspiring players in Germany, and Schroder recognizes the difficulty of stepping into such large shoes.
Despite the challenges he faces, Schroder remains committed to his goals and the success of the German national team. Prior to EuroBasket, he confidently declared, “We are going to win the title. If I wasn’t convinced of that, I wouldn’t play in the tournament and would rather spend my time in Braunschweig.” With aspirations to create his own legacy, Schroder hopes that future successes with the national team will help him gain recognition and affection from fans similar to that of Nowitzki.
As the NBA season progresses, Schroder continues to showcase his skills with the Detroit Pistons, where he aims to make a significant impact. His journey serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding race and recognition in sports, particularly in a country where historical and cultural factors shape public perception. While he may feel the weight of comparison to Nowitzki, Schroder’s determination and talent are undeniable, and his contributions to the sport will continue to resonate in German basketball history.