Another Sacramento Kings blowout is in the books, along with another tepid performance from point guard Dennis Schroder. In a post-game interview, Schroder was extremely open about his issues and need to do better. That level of self-awareness is a good sign and something fans should applaud.
You have to feel for Schroder. The Kings are the former home of two of the best point guards in the league, Tyrese Haliburton and De'Aaron Fox. Dennis was specifically brought in to replace Fox after he was traded to the Spurs last season. Fox is, without question, a hard act to follow.
Schroder's success with the German team in the 2025 EuroBasket Tournament this summer also drove up expectations for him. All of that combined has made the NBA veteran's transition into being the Kings' number one point guard all the more difficult for him.
Dennis Schroder gets real
In a late post-game interview with Sean Cunningham of NBC Sacramento, Dennis was extremely open about his struggles with the Kings. It was a compelling conversation, one that gave an interesting window into the current state of the team.
"I don't feel comfortable."
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) November 10, 2025
"I'm still learning."
My late night, candid chat with Dennis Schröder about tonight's 144-117 loss to the T'Wolves, Doug Christie calling out his Sacramento Kings competitive spirit, the lack of team defense & addresses his own struggles.
"It… pic.twitter.com/NyTpov8vmI
Dennis acknowledged that his gameplay is not where it should be and that he needs to do more for the team. At the same time, he was open about the fact that he is still learning and acclimatizing to a new system under the current head coach, Doug Christie.
To be fair to Schroder, everyone on the team is in the same boat. The entire roster, from rookies to veterans, is in their first full season with Christie as the head coach. Even he's getting used to his new role in real time, just like his players are.
Dennis knows he needs to do more for the Kings
Fans should be impressed with Schroder. It takes a lot to be so vulnerable and honest about where he's at with the Kings. If he were more arrogant about his game, he would be blaming his teammates, coaches, and the front office for what's going on. And he wouldn't be wrong.
The team is stuck in the mud at this point. Despite some incredible individual performances, the entire franchise is basically trapped in basketball purgatory for the next couple of seasons. It doesn't help that the Kings are trying to force a defensive system on players who can't implement it.
Schroder being open about his struggles means he's aware of the issues and wants to fix them. That's an incredible first step to take. As the point guard, it's his job to lead by example, and that's exactly what he's doing in these moments.