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Schröder's "Warrior" contest reaching its final round

NBA champion Daniel Theis set to reemerge as a key player for German basketball; question remains if his consistently strong performance will continue.

Schröder's "Warrior" ends in the decisive race
Schröder's "Warrior" ends in the decisive race

Schröder's "Warrior" contest reaching its final round

The German basketball team is gearing up for a challenging summer, with several key players unavailable due to injuries and long seasons. Among the most notable absences is Daniel Theis, who has been a cornerstone of the team for many years.

Theis, a 33-year-old centre, has played for several NBA teams, including the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, and most recently the New Orleans Pelicans. His departure for AS Monaco this winter has been marked by knee problems, and he has missed two games against Slovenia and one against Serbia during national team preparations.

His only appearance was in the Supercup semi-final against Turkey, where he looked a bit rusty and made some simple mistakes. Theis' return to the NBA is unlikely, making this summer potentially his last big hurrah with the national team.

Former national team player Per Günther believes that the team desperately needs Theis, who is the defensive anchor. Günther, who once played with Theis in Ulm, stated that with many question marks, Daniel Theis is more important than ever. "The situation under the basket is dire this summer," Günther said.

Dennis Schröder, Theis' long-time buddy, agrees. Schröder and Theis have known each other since Schröder was 15. The duo, considered one of the best in Germany over the past ten years, not just in Germany, will be missed.

Moritz Wagner and NBA champion Isaiah Hartenstein are also unavailable, further depleting the team's roster. Alex Mumbru, managing a squad with numerous injuries, ailments, and illnesses, faces a daunting task.

The upcoming games against Spain in Madrid and Cologne will be a sporting benchmark and a stress test for Daniel Theis' body. If Theis isn't fit, the German basketball team's medal chances significantly drop.

Despite the setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope. The next generation, led by NBA youngsters Ariel Hukporti and Tristan da Silva, is ready to step up. Da Silva, an Orlando pro, is expected to play a bigger role this summer.

As the summer games approach, the German basketball team will need to rally around their young talents and hope for a speedy recovery for Daniel Theis. The stakes are high, and the team will need to give their all to secure a place on the podium.

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