Schroder Embraces Cavs' Winning Culture After Kings Struggles

The veteran guard is excited to compete for a championship after a tough stint in Sacramento.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Dennis Schroder, the veteran NBA guard, is thrilled to be a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' organization after a difficult two-month stretch with the Sacramento Kings earlier this season. Schroder has praised the Cavs' defensive intensity, unselfish play, and overall winning culture, which stands in stark contrast to his recent experiences in Sacramento.

Why it matters

Schroder's comments highlight the stark differences between playing for a team like the Cavaliers, who are competing for a championship, versus the struggling Kings. His perspective provides insight into the challenges of being on a losing team and the importance of being in a winning environment for veteran players.

The details

In his first game with the Cavaliers, Schroder was impressed by the team's defensive effort, holding the Los Angeles Clippers to under 50 points in the first half. He has continued to praise the Cavaliers' chemistry, competitiveness, and focus on winning. In contrast, Schroder described his time with the Kings as "rough" and said it was tough to stay motivated when the team was not winning games.

  • Schroder made his Cavaliers debut on February 5, 2026.
  • Schroder spoke about his experience with the Kings and excitement for the Cavaliers after a win over the Washington Wizards on February 11, 2026.

The players

Dennis Schroder

A veteran NBA guard who was recently traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Scott Perry

The general manager of the Sacramento Kings, who gave Schroder a big contract.

BJ Armstrong

The assistant general manager of the Sacramento Kings.

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What they’re saying

“Impressive win. Great group of guys. Under 50 points at half, I don't think we had that in Sac for a long time. Really competitive group who wants to play defense, and then, share the ball on offense, wants to play fast. I love it. I feel comfortable already.”

— Dennis Schroder (clutchpoints.com)

“It was a rough two months for me beginning of the season. But being a part of Cleveland's organization has been great, and we didn't even practice yet. But the chemistry you can tell is on a high notch, and we just want to keep it going.”

— Dennis Schroder (clutchpoints.com)

“I'm a winner. I try to win. It's tough when it's not going your way. You try to work hard every single day, and you're not getting over the hump, you're not winning games. It was so tough for me waking up, going to practice because it wasn't really the focus. Myself included, I think everybody in [that Kings] locker room, we had to do a better job of playing the right style of basketball. But at the end of the day, that's over with.”

— Dennis Schroder (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

Schroder will look to continue providing a defensive spark and veteran leadership as the Cavaliers push for a championship this season.

The takeaway

Schroder's comments highlight the stark contrast between playing for a winning team like the Cavaliers versus a struggling team like the Kings. His perspective underscores the importance of being in a winning environment for veteran players who are focused on competing for a title.