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Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN writer
SAN FRANCISCO — It didn’t take Dennis Schroder long to get over the initial shock of being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Golden State Warriors.
Although Schroder and his family had just moved into a new house, the point guard began to think about playing alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and for Steve Kerr.
“Just being able to be around them now, especially Steph,” Schroder said Tuesday after playing with his new teammates. “He’s one of the best point guards of all time, if not the best. The best shooter, of course. I’m excited to see how he works and be a part of it.
“I’ve played with a lot of future Hall of Famers over the years. He and Draymond will complete it now.”
The Warriors can’t wait to add the 12-year veteran to the mix. Since starting 12-3, they have lost eight of their last 10 games.
Kerr said Schroder could be in the starting lineup Thursday when the Warriors play at Memphis. The Warriors coach likes the idea of playing the two point guards together so Schroder can help set Curry up for some easier scoring opportunities.
And Kerr said Schroder will be the on-court point guard to help organize the second unit in “Steph-less” minutes.
“We need to take some of the burden off of Steph,” Kerr said. “I think he has had to assume an abnormal load this year of offensive responsibility.
“What we’ve missed is another pick-and-roll player so Steph doesn’t have to run so many pick-and-rolls throughout the game and get worn down.”
Kerr said the Warriors can use Schroder in pick-and-roll situations similar to what they did with Chris Paul last season.
Schroder arrives averaging 18.4 points, 6.6 assists and 38.7% shooting from behind the arc. The Warriors need another scorer to help Curry, Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga.
Schroder’s defense will also be a welcome addition. The Warriors hope Schroder can help fill the void left by De’Anthony Melton’s season-ending knee injury. The two-way guard started when healthy and was viewed as a valuable piece alongside Curry. Melton was traded to Brooklyn along with Reece Beekman and three second-round picks for Schroder and a second-round pick.
“Really excited to play with Draymond,” Schroder said. “We have a pretty good relationship. I’m looking forward to playing with another Hall of Famer on the court who was always hell when you were on the other side, who talked bad words, trash, was just competitive and got out of there with a victory. [our defense and competitiveness] Now it’s pretty unique and special.”
Kerr said Schroder was on the opposite team against Curry’s team in practice so the point guard could get used to the second unit. But Schroder also hopes to play alongside Curry.
“Every time I watch Golden State play, I get excited about the way they play,” Schroder said. “He plays it like a video game… he’s one of the superstars I have a lot of respect for because he doesn’t care if he scores 10, 20, 30 or 40.
“I’m very excited. I can’t say it enough.”
