Dennis Schroder is a lock for an unlikely honor that will shock Pistons fans

Dennis Schröder, backup point guard for the Detroit Pistons, led Germany to victory in the 2025 EuroBasket tournament, earning MVP honors after averaging over 20 points and seven assists. He particularly excelled in the final two games, dishing out 12 assists in the championship match—the most in a EuroBasket final in three decades.

Despite being viewed by many NBA fans as a journeyman role player, Schröder's international success has sparked debate about his potential Hall of Fame credentials. The Naismith Hall of Fame considers a player's entire career, including international achievements, which significantly strengthens Schröder's case compared to players with stronger NBA-only resumes like Blake Griffin.

Schröder has been a dominant force for Germany since his national team debut in 2014, winning bronze at EuroBasket (Germany's first medal in nearly two decades), leading Germany to a World Cup title (where he was also MVP), finishing fourth in the Paris Olympics (making the Olympic All-Star team), and now adding the 2025 EuroBasket title and MVP to his accomplishments.

His success is attributed to his ball-dominant playing style—utilizing dribble penetration and offensive control—which he executes more freely for Germany than in his NBA role. With continued international success, Schröder may solidify his Hall of Fame case, challenging conventional perceptions about what qualifies a player for enshrinement.