Another Former Laker Shines: Schröder Breaks Out in Contract Year—Are the Nets Giving Up on Tanking?

In a stunning turn of events, the Brooklyn Nets pulled off an unexpected 128-120 road victory against the Golden State Warriors, a team sitting atop the Western Conference. The Warriors, riding high as the West’s No. 1 seed, seemed poised for an easy win over a Nets squad riddled with injuries. By the third quarter, Golden State held a commanding 86-68 lead, and the game appeared all but decided.

However, the Nets launched a remarkable comeback, outscoring the Warriors 60-34 in the final stretch to secure their second consecutive win, handing Golden State their second straight loss in the process.

Schröder’s Heroics Lead the Charge

The catalyst for Brooklyn’s triumph was none other than Dennis Schröder, who delivered a fourth-quarter performance for the ages. The German guard erupted for 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists in the final period alone, shooting 5-of-7 from the field, 2-of-3 from three-point range, and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. Schröder’s individual scoring and playmaking accounted for 27 points, just one shy of Golden State’s total output in the quarter.

Overall, Schröder finished the night with a spectacular stat line: 31 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals on 10-of-18 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep and a flawless 7-of-7 from the charity stripe. He led the team in scoring, assists, and steals, firmly establishing himself as Brooklyn’s most valuable player of the game.

A Surprising Rise in Brooklyn

Schröder’s resurgence this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially signed by the Toronto Raptors during the 2023 offseason on a two-year, $25 million deal, Schröder was subsequently traded to the Nets. Many assumed he would be part of a roster designed to tank for Cooper Flagg, the widely coveted 2025 NBA Draft prospect. Instead, Schröder has defied expectations, delivering consistent high-level performances that have propelled the Nets into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Through 17 games, Schröder is averaging 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 34.2 minutes per game. Both his assists and steals represent career highs. Known in the past for his streaky efficiency, Schröder has also set new personal bests in shooting splits: 45.7% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range, and 86.2% from the line, good for a career-high 59.9% true shooting percentage.

Comparing to Schröder’s Peak

Schröder’s current season compares favorably to his previous peak in the 2019-20 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he averaged 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists as a key reserve. Back then, he shot 46.9% from the field, 38.5% from three, and 83.9% from the line, with a 57.5% true shooting percentage.

What’s most striking is Schröder’s evolution. In Brooklyn, he’s not only matching his scoring output from Oklahoma City but doing so as a starter while playing a more modern, perimeter-oriented game. Schröder is attempting a career-high 6.5 three-pointers per game, making 2.7 of them at an elite 41.4% clip.

Beyond the Box Score

Schröder’s impact on the Nets extends beyond his individual numbers. Advanced metrics reveal his significance to Brooklyn’s success. When Schröder is on the floor, the Nets score 117.2 points per 100 possessions, a mark that would rank fourth in the league, just above the Lakers’ 117.1. More importantly, Brooklyn outscored opponents by 1.4 points per 100 possessions with Schröder in action.

In stark contrast, when Schröder sits, the Nets’ offensive rating plummets to 104.9 points per 100 possessions, worse than the league’s 29th-ranked Washington Wizards (105.5). Brooklyn also gets outscored by 8.4 points per 100 possessions without Schröder, underscoring his indispensable role in their lineup.

What’s Next for the Nets?

Brooklyn’s surprising success has brought them to an 8-10 record, good for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. This unexpected performance has thrown a wrench into their presumed rebuilding plans. After trading away Mikal Bridges, most analysts believed the Nets were committed to tanking for a high draft pick. But Schröder and company have kept the team competitive, raising questions about the franchise’s long-term direction.

For a team without a clear cornerstone player to build around, pursuing a prospect like Flagg—widely regarded as a potential franchise-altering talent—would seem like the logical strategy. The 2023 San Antonio Spurs, who tanked their way to Victor Wembanyama, serve as a prime example of the rewards that come with bottoming out for generational talent.

However, Brooklyn may have a different approach in mind. Instead of outright tanking, the team could be using this season to showcase players like Schröder, Cameron Johnson, and Dorian Finney-Smith. Strong performances from these veterans could boost their trade value, allowing the Nets to acquire additional first-round picks at the trade deadline.

Schröder’s Contract Year

Schröder’s breakout has not gone unnoticed, but it’s worth noting that this is a contract year for the German point guard. History has shown that players often elevate their performance in a bid to secure lucrative deals, and Schröder could be no exception. That said, his value is undeniable, and his current production exceeds the modest $13 million annual salary he’s earning.

For contenders in need of backcourt reinforcements, Schröder could be a game-changing addition. His ability to score efficiently, run an offense, and perform in high-pressure situations makes him a valuable asset. A late first-round pick could very well be the asking price for a team looking to bolster its playoff roster with Schröder’s services.

As the season unfolds, the Nets face a crucial decision: Do they continue their surprising playoff push, or do they pivot toward a rebuild? Regardless of the path they choose, Schröder’s resurgence has been one of the most compelling stories of their season—and it’s far from over.