Jrue Holiday and two other USA stars named best defenders by Germany's Dennis Schroder
After leading Germany to win the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Dennis Schroder is keen to win the Olympic gold medal this year. The veteran guard is the face of one of German basketball's best generations in history after spending over a decade in the NBA.
Given his offensive abilities, Schroder has faced strong opposition on the court. During a recent conversation with FIBA's official Instagram account, Schroder was asked to name the three best defenders he's played against in the league. Dennis Schroder picked a former and current Boston Celtics guard and one of the best competitors in the NBA in recent years.
"The best defenders I've played against. Avery Bradley is one of them, Jrue Holiday, Jimmy Butler," Schroder said.
Avery Bradley was a terrific defender during his active days, becoming a key member of the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers thanks to his defensive prowess. Jrue Holiday is one of the most underrated defenders and players in the NBA, being one of the best players for the New Orleans Pelicans and playing key roles in the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics' recent championship runs.
Jimmy Butler is a terrific player, one of the best two-way wings in the league and a fierce competitor. Perhaps Bradley doesn't appear on these lists often, but his defense deserves respect.
Dennis Schroder makes honest admission about 'wasting' opportunity to play with Germany
Dennis Schroder made peace with Team Germany last year after taking them to the top of the world, beating Team USA and Serbia in the semifinals and final, respectively, of the FIBA World Cup. The veteran guard explained that missing the chance to play for Germany in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is one of the regrets of his career.
"For sure. I wasted that one. If I could take one thing back, it probably would've been to play in the Olympics," Schroder said while talking with Basket News.
Back in 2021, after reportedly rejecting an $84 million deal from the LA Lakers, Dennis Schroder, the national team and the NBA squad couldn't come to terms on an insurance agreement, which prevented him from playing with Germany three years ago.
Still, he's ready to go and redeem himself this year:
"I'm here, and I'm going to take it day by day and take as many wins as possible to get to the ultimate goal."
Germany started the Olympic tournament with a 97-77 win over Japan to take the No. 1 spot in Group B.