Schroder calls Raptors culture 'difficult' after losing to league-worst Pistons

Dennis Schroder isn't pleased with the Toronto Raptors' situation after the team lost to the Detroit Pistons, ending the latter's record 28-game losing streak.

"I mean, the culture is just difficult," Schroder said after the Raptors' 129-127 defeat, according to TSN's Kayla Grey. "When I got here, (coach) Darko did a great job just putting this system to the organization but I think we just got to follow that."

He added: "People got to be grateful cheering on their teammates when they get a stop or when they get on the floor or dive. Pick them up being excited for another."

The loss to the Pistons, who rank last in the Eastern Conference with a 3-29 record, brings the Raptors to 12-20 heading into the new year. Toronto has won just three of its last ten games, prompting the team to trade longtime forward O.G. Anunoby, big man Precious Achiuwa, and guard Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for a package that included wing RJ Barrett and guard Immanuel Quickley.

"In Atlanta, like my second, third, fourth year, (I was) with great vets who didn't really care about having points," Schroder said, according to The Athletic's Eric Koreen. "It was just about winning, I think everybody here in the locker room wants to win as well. And I feel that still. But at the end of the day, I just want us to be more engaged, be more excited."

Schroder contrasted the Raptors culture with the German men's national basketball team, where the 30-year-old played a large role in bringing home a gold medal at the FIBA World Cup this past offseason. He was also named World Cup MVP.

"I went to war with all my brothers from the national team," Schroder said, according to Grey. "We knew we had each other and I don't feel it here yet like that."

Toronto takes on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.