On paper, Friday’s FIBA World Cup semifinal between the United States and Germany scans as a mismatch. The Americans boast a team made up of a dozen NBA players in contrast to the Germans’ four.
However, at least one of Germany's players has familiarity with a United States counterpart. Veteran Raptors guard Dennis Schröder played with Lakers guard Austin Reaves in 2023, and together they contributed to Los Angeles’s surprise run to the Western Conference finals.
With the Lakers’ spring achievement fresh in mind, Schröder gave Reaves a shout-out after the Germans beat Latvia in the quarterfinal round Wednesday morning.
“[That’s] my guy man. I ain’t got nothing but love for [Reaves],” Schröder said. “Last year was special, what we accomplished as teammates. I’m looking forward to it.”
“[Austin Reaves] is my guy man. I aint got nothing but love for him… Last year was special, what we accomplished as teammates. I’m looking forward to it.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 6, 2023
Dennis Schroder on facing Reaves in the FIBA World Cup semifinals 🙌
(via @nicoleganglani) pic.twitter.com/SfEylPP4U5
Schröder, 29, signed with Toronto on July 12 after averaging 12.6 points per game in his second stint with the Lakers.
Los Angeles and the Raptors don't meet until Jan. 9 this season, but Friday's backcourt matchup between friends-turned-rivals could provide a preview.
