Dennis Schröder Likely Regrets Departing from the Pistons
Dennis Schröder’s departure from the Detroit Pistons may become a significant point of reflection for both the player and the franchise. After enjoying a pivotal role in the Pistons’ rotation last season, Schröder inked a lucrative three-year, $44 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. However, his current performance raises questions about whether leaving Detroit was the right choice.
Dismal Start with the Sacramento Kings
Schröder’s tenure with the Kings has been far from successful. He is experiencing his most challenging season since his rookie year, posting a True Shooting percentage of just 47.8% over the first ten games. His scoring difficulties are evident as he averages his lowest free-throw attempt rate and hits only 28.3% of his three-point shots.
Challenges in the Kings’ Lineup
Despite starting all ten games and averaging 31.6 minutes on the court, Schröder’s impact has been minimal. The Kings’ backcourt features a wealth of talent, including Russell Westbrook, Keon Ellis, Malik Monk, and Zach LaVine. Moreover, he must share the floor with offensive powerhouses like DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis.
- Current Record: 3-7
- Net Rating: -8.6 (fifth-worst in the league)
The inefficiency of Schröder and the team’s collective struggles illustrate a troubling trend in his career. Historically, he has thrived in smaller roles but faltered when expectations increase. This inconsistency has led him to play for ten teams throughout his 13-year career.
Potential Benefits of Staying in Detroit
If Schröder had remained with the Pistons, he might have found a more suitable role. Coming off the bench could allow him to leverage his playmaking skills effectively, particularly in minutes without star player Cade Cunningham. His defensive capabilities would enhance a Pistons team aiming to maintain elite defensive standards even with reserves on the court.
While the Pistons chose not to match Sacramento’s offer, it appears to have been a strategic decision. The salary commitments of $14.8 million for the 2026-27 season and $15.5 million for 2027-28 may not justify Schröder’s contributions. Nevertheless, one can speculate that he might prefer the chance to compete with a playoff contender like the Pistons over struggling on a lottery-bound team such as the Kings.
As the season unfolds, both Dennis Schröder and the Detroit Pistons will be watching closely—each reflecting on the implications of his departure and performance in their respective journeys.
