New acquired forward, Sam Dekker, might be more of a delightful surprise for the Washington Wizards than most anticipated.
When the Washington Wizards completed a three-team trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks to get Sam Dekker everyone assumed it was about the tax savings from getting rid of Jason Smith’s contract. But, maybe everyone was wrong.
Dekker has only been with Washington for 4 games and has already made his presence known. The first 3 games weren’t much, but his break-out game was Sunday evening against the Los Angeles Lakers. In 22 minutes, he produced 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and went 10-15 from the floor.
The recent trade for Trevor Ariza seems to be in favor of Dekker. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Austin Rivers were two of the primary bench players for the Wizards. Now, there is opportunity for others to step up and show their worth. Dekker did just that against L.A.
With Oubre and Rivers gone, Dekker possibly has solidified himself a decent bench role with the team. Realistically, it could lead to 15+ minutes per game. In 4 games with Washington, Dekker has already been more productive than players like Rivers, Smith and Ian Mahinmi. It’s possible that the Wizards genuinely traded to have Dekker’s services since Smith was just wasting a roster spot.
The versatile wing-man didn’t do much to impress the Houston Rockers, Los Angeles Clippers, or the Cavaliers during his stints. Now, Washington has an opening at the backup small forward position that Dekker has an opportunity to show what he can really do.
Think about it, he’s an athletic forward that can get to the rack and is good in transition. That style of play is a perfect fit in Brooks’ offense. He can also provide a defensive presence. Hopefully, people didn’t overlook the fact that he had 3 steals against Los Angeles as well.
His size and length can provided difficult matchups for opposing players. If the team isn’t going to give Troy Brown Jr. more playing time, than Dekker should absolutely be apart of the Wizards rotation going forward.
Without question, he’s earned another opportunity to prove himself after his performance against the Lakers. At this point, the Wizards can’t get any worse. Might as well see what Dekker can truly offer. A shake-up and new faces might be what the team needs to start making a serious push in the Eastern Conference.
I think it’s safe to say that we might have underestimated Sam Dekker a little too soon.