Dennis SCHRÖDER

But Axel passed away in 2009 due to heart failure, missing the opportunity to witness his son's NBA journey. Nevertheless, Axel had an enduring impact on Dennis, who frequently acknowledges that his father's untimely passing fuelled his ambition to become a renowned basketball player.

Dennis's mother also played a crucial role in his development, instilling in him the desire to stand out. She was the first to propose that he dye his hair blonde, which led to the distinctive patch above his left temple that has since become his signature look.

Dennis Schroder's basketball journey

Schröder started his professional basketball career in 2010 by joining his local team, SG Braunschweig. Despite being relatively shorter for a basketball player, standing at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters), he stood out with his defensive skills and shooting abilities.

In the 2013 NBA draft, the German was chosen as the 17th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks. Over the years, he made his mark in the NBA while playing for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and most recently, the Toronto Raptors, his team since 2023.

The German has also been a key figure in his national basketball team. His crowning achievement came at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he led the national team to its first World Cup title.

The team's unbeaten run during the competition included impressive victories over Australia and the United States, the competition's heavy favourites. The German was named the FIBA World Cup MVP, averaging 17.9 points and 6.7 assists per game.

The triumph at the FIBA Basketball World Cup marked a historic milestone for Germany and secured their qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. As they prepare to take centre stage in France, all eyes will be on Schröder as he strives to further cement his name in the annals of German basketball history.