Sam Dekker: a SF steal for the Toronto Raptors?

Most of the draft talk about the Toronto Raptors has focused on prospective power forwards to provide rebounding help and to replace the likely departing Amir Johnson. While the Raptors could certainly use a big, GM Masai Ujiri would also be wise to keep his options open by looking at other positions as well. Notably, the team has an uncertain future at the small forward spot, since Terrence Ross lost his starting position this season and they didn’t really have a lot of other viable options.

If Ujiri decides that he wants to grab a small forward instead of a power forward, Wisconsin’s Sam Dekker would be his smartest pick. Of course, Dekker is widely predicted to be selected a few picks before the Raptors will get a chance at #20. Still, far crazier things have happened on draft night. If the chance arises, Dekker would be an absolute steal for the Raps.

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Compared to other players we have analyzed on this site, Dekker is by far the most NBA-ready. He is a polished, prepared player who should be able to seamlessly make the jump to the world’s best basketball league. Though he may never be a star, expect Dekker to become a solid contributor quickly. This is something the Raptors could really use, especially considering the timeline for Bruno Caboclo and Lucas Nogueira. The Raps would benefit from a young player who won’t have to spend his first few seasons watching from the bench.

Dekker is a big, strong small forward with great athleticism and quickness. He is 6-9, 230 pounds, which helps him offensively and defensively. Offensively, his biggest appeal is that he is extremely versatile and efficient. He can score off the dribble, get into position without the ball in his hands, cash in on catch and shoot opportunities and slash to the rim. Against smaller defenders, he can use his height and weight to set the paint on fire, and against bigger defenders, he can use his speed to get open.

Dekker plays a very intelligent brand of basketball, allowing him to get in the right place at the right time and to read the game effectively. In addition, he brings a good level of effort, which manifests itself most clearly while looking at his rebounding. He crashes the glass, earning 5.6 rebounds per game last season in the NCAA, which was pretty good considering he played with strong bigs.

On defence, Dekker is solid. He will be a pretty good stopper in the NBA, once given proper instruction. He can guard power forwards, small forwards and some shooting guards because of his size and athleticism. He works hard, and his basketball I.Q. helps him make intelligent decisions. Plus, Dekker has a nice habit of trying to take charges, which would make him popular in Toronto.

3-point shooting is currently Dekker’s biggest flaw. He isn’t even terrible at it, but it would befit him as a small forward to get better. He shot 34.8% during his time in college and tended to shy away from the shot more this past season. Considering the importance modern NBA teams attribute to spacing the floor, he will need to grow into that part of his game.

Overall, Dekker will be a solid NBA player. He doesn’t have the explosiveness or overwhelming skill that suggests he will be a star, but the Raptors could use another consistent contributor. If Ujiri gets the chance, Dekker would be an outstanding addition.

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