Mar 14, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) drives to the basket past Purdue Boilermakers guard Dakota Mathias (31) and guard Rapheal Davis (35) during the second half in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Dekker
NBA Comparison: Gordon Hayward
As a 6-9 sweet-shooting forward, a lot of pundits see Dekker as Chandler Parsons 2.0, but I believe his broad offensive game and mobility makes him more comparable to Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward.
Unlike Parsons, Hayward and Dekker are both adept at handling the ball for extended periods of time, and creating for themselves and teammates on dribble drives. Despite Dekker’s lackluster 33.8 shooting percentage from the 3-point line, him and Hayward (36.3 percent) are both also reliable shooters from outside, something that gives both their teams some much-needed spacing. Moreover, both are very fundamentally sound, which is evident on defense, where both are able to guard multiple positions on the floor.
Dekker may not be the refined, NBA-ready prospect that Hayward was coming out of Butler, but the two have similar statures and skills, which should make NBA teams looking help in the front court very excited this weekend and in June.
Next: Frank Kaminsky