The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Sam Dekker from the Los Angeles Clippers to open up a roster spot.
Dekker would confirm the deal on Twitter, expressing his excitement to play alongside the son of three-time All-Star Larry Nance.
https://twitter.com/dekker/status/1026200707320360960
Dekker has had a rough go-about to the beginning of his professional career. The Cavs will be Dekker’s third team in four seasons after spending the first two years of his career with the Houston Rockets before being dealt with LA in the Chris Paul trade.
Although you can usually see improvement in young players as the year’s pass, Dekker actually digressed in 2018 from the season prior. Compared to averaging 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and one assist per game with his last season on the Rockets, his numbers dropped to 4.2 PPG, 2.4 RPG, and 0.5 APG.
Despite this, guys like Larry Nance Jr. are still excited that the Cavs scooped him up.
Welcome to The Land my guy!! Better be ready to get out on the wing and run ?? @dekker
— Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) August 5, 2018
According to Jordan Schultz, Dekker’s lack of success can be attributed to the mental side of the game rather than the physical.
“A lack of maturity and focus regarding basketball” have plagued Sam Dekker throughout his career, one league source says. Chance for a fresh start with the #Cavs now. Dekker is talented and young enough to turn it around. https://t.co/SKIY8iubV0
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 5, 2018
He has the skill to be a relevant piece in Cleveland’s rotation, but that still has yet to be put on display like it was during his college days.
Dekker was a standout athlete at the University of Wisconsin, twice being named to the All-Big Ten Second Team. He was also recognized as the West Regional Most Outstanding Player during the NCAA Tournament in 2015. Dekker is an outstanding shooter and above average rebounder at the small forward position, not to mention the fact that he has a tight handle on the ball.
If he wants to reach his potential, he is going to have to get in the gym to gain more strength to be competitive against the likes of other guys at his position in the Eastern Conference.
Featured Image Via Google Images/Houston Chronicle
