Dennis Schroder reveals what it's like playing behind Donovan Mitchell and James Harden originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Cavaliers made a big pivot in early 2026 when they traded Darius Garland away. Before they even made that trade for James Harden, the Cavaliers had already reinforced their point guard position by going for Dennis Schroder a couple of days earlier.
For a long time, Schroder has thrived as a backup point guard across multiple teams. He has been a journeyman in the NBA, but there is a reason why he is such a trusted player around the league. The Cavaliers trusted him, but it seems that it was not enough to retain him beyond the 2026 offseason, as he is now a member of the Charlotte Hornets.
Dennis Schroder provides a glimpse into what it's like playing behind Donovan Mitchell and James Harden
As one of the league's premier backup point guards, it is easy to see why Schroder does well around the league. He is a high-level playmaker, and at the same time, he can also score when needed. It is important to have that kind of presence because he is reliable and willing to shine within that role.
With a backcourt of Mitchell and Harden, it is easy to get caught up in lacking minutes. That was not the case for Schroder because he knows how to play alongside dominant ball-handlers and behind them in the rotation. It is a role he has gotten used to playing throughout his career.
MORE: The Cavaliers were active in looking for trades for Dennis Schroder in the 2026 offseason
Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, it seems Schroder did have an issue this time around. He might have thrived in a smaller role in the past, but it seems Schroder was okay with leaving the Cavaliers, especially since he was given ample time to prepare for the move in the 2026 offseason.
"I’ve known for a month. I think it’s a better situation for me from a sporting perspective... When you have two legends in your position who bring the ball up the court and play a lot of isolation, then it’s just difficult," Schroder said to Eurohoops' Johnny Askounis about his new role.
Now that Schroder is playing for the Hornets, he can have a bigger role under head coach Charles Lee. He will be competing with Coby White for the starting position, which is a better situation for him if he wants more playing time than playing behind Mitchell and Harden.
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