The Toronto Raptors have to be feeling great about the big financial investment they made in Dennis Schroder this offseason.
The German point guard signed a two-year deal worth north of $25 million, and he’s expected to be their starting point guard now that Fred VanVleet took his talents to the Houston Rockets.
When asked about his decision to leave Los Angeles and go to Canada, Schroder claimed that it was all because of new coach Darko Rajakovic, whom he knew during his days with the Oklahoma City Thunder (via ClutchPoints).
"I think Darko [Rajakovic], the head coach… I met him 5 years ago in OKC. We became friends… I definitely said to my agent, 'I want be there.' … I think it's a great fit."
Dennis Schroder on why he left the Lakers for the Raptors this summer.pic.twitter.com/fQMqTW7akX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 13, 2023
The German star reportedly told his agent that he thought it was a great fit, so he didn’t hesitate to join the former assistant coach.
Notably, Rajakovic had paid his dues in the league as an assistant coach, also spending some time in the G-League after his experience overseas.
He’s set to take over a new project up north, and while they might not win a lot of games early on — especially if they trade both Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby — he’ll have the opportunity to develop some interesting talents, especially former Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes.
As for Schroder, he must be walking on the clouds right now after leading his national team to the gold medal in the FIBA Basketball World Club, playing out of his mind and being arguably the best player in the competition.
He’s slated to recoup some of the money he lost when he didn’t sign a big contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers years ago, and more than that, he could have a breakout year, as he had his best season with Rajakovic as an assistant coach.
NEXT: Dennis Schroder Wins Major FIBA World Cup Award
