Gordon Herbert touches on Dennis Schroder's availability, situation with Austin Reaves / News - Basketnews.com

Gordon Herbert laid down the outcome of his discussions with several German NT players, like captains Johannes Voigtmann and Dennis Schroder, Barca's Oscar da Silva and the Wagner brothers. He also referred to his efforts to recruit Austin Reaves.

Credit: Soeren Stache/dpa Credit Soeren Stache/dpa

In an interview with the German Basketball Federation, national team head coach Gordon Herbert opened up on about the discussions he has had with several players and the preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Austin Reaves

Team:Los Angeles LakersPosition:SGAge:24Height:196 cmWeight:93 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

As the draw for the event will take place soon (29 April), Herbert has only one wish. Due to the logistics and travel situation, he'd like his team to play in the Philippines.

In the last few weeks, the Canadian coach has been on the road in Europe and in the USA to talk to players. His general impression of those conversations was great.

"I was extremely enthusiastic. Starting in Europe with the EuroLeague players and ending with the NBA players in the United States. Every player I've met has represented the mindset: 'Yes, I'm in, coach. I am motivated. I want to play.'

There was no 'maybe', no 'no'. Everyone was facing the situation with a very positive attitude. Of course, things such as injuries, contracts or insurance issues can affect the availability. Last year, Moritz Wagner, Isaac Bonga and Maxi Kleber were all injured or had insurance problems. So you always have to wait, because things can change," he pointed out.

The veteran tactician clarified that all players from last year's squad that won the bronze medal at the EuroBasket will be invited.

"There is no question about that. One of the great strengths of the team last year was our cohesion, our chemistry and our joint commitment. All the guys were able to understand and accept their roles, so they will all be back."

Herbert went on to reveal the one-on-one conversations he had with Johannes Voigtmann when he visited Germany's co-captain in Milan, and also touched on Oscar da Silva's intentions.

"In our last conversations he was a little hesitant and last year he had some injury problems," Herbert said about the FC Barcelona forward.

Dennis Schroder

MIN:29.72PTS:12.36 (53.89%)REB:2.46As:4.43ST:0.76BL:0.14TO:1.7GM:70ProfileNBA2022/2023

"But he was very pleased. He had a lot of good questions, like what the training camp looks like. But he really wants to play and we are looking forward to having him in the camp," Herbert argued.

In Orlando, both Moritz and Franz Wagner have recently expressed that they are very much looking forward to participating in the World Cup. Both have played exceptionally well for the Magic. Herbert thinks they can both be the team's cornerstones in the future.

"When Mo got injured last year, I was a little worried, precisely because he contributes so much to the team," he stressed.

"But I'm really looking forward to Moritz playing this summer. He really wants to. Last year, of course, it broke his heart, because he never really played in his country. Franz is in the process of becoming one of the best players in the world."

One player who has not played for the German team since the last World Cup in 2019 is Maxi Kleber. His season was marked by injuries, but now he has a lot of time to recover. Herbert said the player's agent contacted him and explained the situation.

"The current state is that he really wants to play and be there. Of course, his health will finally decide that. He has a new three-year contract, so I get the impression that Maxi wants to be part of the team and play both the World Cup and the Olympics."

On the other hand, Daniel Theis, who was instrumental in Germany winning the bronze medal last summer, also hasn't played much for the Indiana Pacers due to injury problems. The former Bamberg forward-center recently announced on Instagram that 'DT 2.0 is on the way!'

Herbert laughingly admitted that he has no idea what that means.

"Daniel was an enormously important part of the team last year. One should not forget that he injured his knee in training camp. He was twelve days away, went to rehab in Munich and had a training session before the EuroBasket. With his injury it would have been very easy for him to give up."

His last stop was in Los Angeles, where Herbert had a meeting with Dennis Schroder, the two men's first since the EuroBasket.

"I didn't fly to Los Angeles, but to Chicago and I also went there with my good friend Chris Fleming. After that I also had a good meeting with Dennis after the game, when they beat the Bulls, and could talk to him extensively," Herbert recounted.

"I communicate with Dennis regularly via text messages. The same applies to Jo Voigtmann. I try to have an open dialogue with both of them and to get opinions on certain things. Dennis is very dedicated and loves to play for his country; hence, he's very much looking forward to the summer," the 64-year-old tactician said.

One topic that comes up quite often is the situation around Austin Reaves, who is currently with the Los AngelesLakers. Herbert said hecontacted him about 14 or 15 months ago when he knew the player had the chance to get a German passport.

"At that time I had a short conversation with him and further conversations with his agent. But it was not yet clear whether he would play for us. Later on, I read in the press that he really wants to play for Germany," he conceded.

Herbert further pointed out that he actually asked for a meeting with Reaves when the Lakers played in Chicago and Schroder was available for a chat. But the outcome wasn't the one he had hoped for.

"I contacted Austin by SMS and called him, but I did not receive an answer," the expert said.

Thus, it seems that Nick Weiler-Babb will keep the one and only naturalized player's spot.

"I'm really very happy with him," Herbert said. "He fit perfectly into the team, is a great guy and a very good player."

Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.