Push for Schroder's 'Warrior' intensifies: Champions require Theis' support - Competition over Schröder's alleged "Warrior" nears its end
Germany's Daniel Theis Set to Face Spain in EuroBasket 2025 Amidst Injury History and Club Changes
Daniel Theis, a key figure for the German basketball team, has been selected for the upcoming EuroBasket 2025 tournament, despite recent injury history and changes in his club career. The games against Spain will take place in Madrid on Thursday and Munich on Saturday.
Theis, who has played for multiple NBA teams including the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Pelicans, has maintained his role on the national team. His strong performances in previous tournaments, such as the pivotal role he played in winning the 2023 FIBA World Cup where he averaged 10.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, have no doubt contributed to his continued selection.
The German team faces notable absences due to injuries to players like Moritz Wagner (ACL) and Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles). However, Theis’s inclusion alongside healthy core players suggests confidence in his current readiness. Reports do not highlight any acute fitness concerns threatening his EuroBasket participation.
Per Günther, a former national player and current TV expert, Theis is crucial for the team, especially with many question marks. Günther believes that Theis' defensive skills are particularly important, especially given the many uncertainties. Dennis Schröder, another NBA star playing for the German team, expresses a desire to play with Daniel Theis in the NBA in the future, calling him "my warrior."
The upcoming games against Spain will serve as a stress test for Theis, particularly his knees and fitness. Theis left the NBA to join AS Monaco and has struggled with knee problems, missing games during preparation with the national team. Despite this, he is determined to give his best in the upcoming games.
The EuroBasket Championship this summer could be Theis' last major tournament with the German national team. With no major tournament scheduled for 2026, and Theis being 35 at the World Cup in Qatar in 2027, this tournament presents a final push for Theis to prove his fitness and contribute to Germany's success.
Meanwhile, the next generation of German basketball players, led by NBA youngsters Ariel Hukporti and Tristan da Silva, is ready to step up. Orlando pro Tristan da Silva is expected to play a bigger role this summer in the EuroBasket Championship.
The medal chances for Germany in the EuroBasket Championship hinge on the fitness of Daniel Theis. As Günther puts it, the games against Spain will not lack much in the end. The upcoming matches promise to be an exciting test for both Theis and the German team.
[1] Source for consecutive warm-up wins: [Link to source] [2] Source for warm-up wins: [Link to source] [3] Source for Theis' performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup: [Link to source] [4] Source for background reports: [Link to source]
