Dennis Schroder led Germany to a world title.
Now the Nets guard will lead his homeland in another way, as their first black Olympic flag bearer.
Schroder has said for months that it would be a huge honor to be the first black to carry the flag for Germany, a country with an infamous racial history.
The Brooklyn point guard will get that honor at Friday’s opening ceremonies in Paris.
“We made it through. To all the people who voted for me, thank you very much,” Schroder said on Instagram, followed by a tankful emoji.
“You’re the best ever. Being able to share this feeling with you is unbelievable. The first dark-skinned carrier for Germany along with German flag”
Schroder also shared a picture of himself holding up a tiny German flag and a video of him celebrating with his German teammates.
He won a vote among both fans and German Olympic athletes, beating out 2021 tennis gold medalist Alexander Zverev and pistol shooter Christian Reitz.
Considering Germany’s history with racism, the symbolism is noteworthy.
“Insane! We did this together & we’re making a major statement with it! Will carry the FLAG proudly…” Schroder said on Instagram.
“THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART”
The official announcement will come later in the week from the German Olympic Sports Confederation, along with judoka Anna-Maria Wagner as the women’s flag-bearer. But Schroder won’t wait until then to celebrate.
The point guard captained Germany to the first FIBA World Cup title in its history in 2023, then the Nets acquired him from Toronto at the trade deadline last season for disgruntled Spencer Dinwiddie.
Schroder assumed the starting point-guard duties with the season-ending surgery to Ben Simmons, and could come into training camp entrenched in the position.
He averaged 14 points and 6.1 assists in 80 games last season, including 14.6 points, six assists and .412 percent shooting from deep in 29 appearances for Brooklyn.
Schroder, who will turn 31 on Sept. 15, is the third-oldest Net.
His team-friendly $13 million salary makes him valuable throughout the league, but with the Nets trying to create cap space next summer, Schroder’s expiring contract could be allowed to run out after the season.
Schroder has expressed a desire to stay in Brooklyn down the stretch of last season, after it ended and even again last week.