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While Dennis Schroder did not always live up to the expectations as a lottery pick, he's had a pretty decent NBA career.
To say that about his FIBA career, however, would be a big understatement. He officially entered legend territory after guiding Germany to the gold medal in the FIBA World Cup and, more recently, in EuroBasket.
That is why his wife, Ellen, wanted to honor him on social media. She posted an emotional post on Instagram not only to congratulate him on his birthday, but also for everything he is accomplished so far:
"Happy Birthday, my beloved husband. Yesterday you gave yourself the greatest gift! European Champion and MVP of the tournament! The children and I are so incredibly proud of you, I can hardly put it into words," the post read.
Ellen continued to praise he better half, talking about the huge impact he's had on German basketball, and how he is now paving the way for other players to do the same after him:
"You are not only our hero, but above all an inspiration for the children, a sporting role model that everyone looks up to. A leader and teammate straight out of a picture book," she added. "I wish you continued golden growth! Full of victories, many more medals, full of happiness, full of health, and above all, full of love."
Schroder, who signed with the Sacramento Kings this offseason, has now made a decent case for being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, even if his NBA numbers are not that impressive.
Dennis Schroder honors Dirk Nowitzki after winning title
Even so, Schroder knows that Dirk Nowitzki walked so he could run. That is why, as soon as he lifted the trophy after defeating Turkey in the gold medal match, he tipped his hat to the Dallas Mavericks legend:
“Dirk is a guy who changed basketball for all the big guys,” Schroder said, per BasketNews. “So, at the end of the day, I’m Dennis Schroder, and everybody got their own legacy. Dirk, what he’s been doing for the German national team and what he’s done in the NBA and in the national team made us come to the national team and represent our country.”
Nowitzki proudly played for the German national team, but with little to no success. The European country was not known for their dominance in basketball, as they have a great heritage in soccer instead.
But with Schroder at the helm, they have now officially entered powerhouse status. And with a budding star like Franz Wagner by his side, this tea will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
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