He's white. There is a natural tendency to see non-black athletes as slow footed, poor athletes who use their "hard work" "basketball IQ" and "dedication" to get ahead instead of athletic ability.
True, but this perception didn't apply to Chandler Parsons and Gordon Hayward coming into the league. They were seen as natural SFs and fleet of foot. Now that they have they bulked up, they're pretty strong too. Dekker was a better athlete than those two in college, but gets looked at like Kyle Wiltjer. The board seemed shocked that he could alley oop dunk.
RR, all trades are a bit of a crapshoot like that. Even some of the bigger, obvious ones. Melo to the Knicks hasn't really worked out for the Knicks. In Horry's case, of course we all remember the voided Horry for Sean Elliot trade. And certainly, with hindsight, of course we have a spot in our heart for Horry and praise that voided trade. It also doesn't help that Elliot become such a Spur lifer, and is so boring as a tv analyst! But that said, who knows what might have happened had that trade gone through. Elliot was available because he was having a down year in Detroit, but aside from that down year, during that period he was a super consistent 16-20 ppg scorer, solid rebounder, good assists, good efficiency, etc. He was a VERY VERY solid NBA SF who would have equally been an interesting add. But again, we all know now in retrospect it didn't happen, that the Rockets went on to win a ring, trade for Drexler (which wouldn't have happened if the Elliot trade went down), and win another ring. As for Dekker and Capela. Well, I think Capela is a no brainer. He's the exact type of center you want right now on this squad and the reason you are ok losing Dwight. Sure, if someone wants to give you a much better player in return and insists on Capela, you have to consider it. But we're still talking about a 22.5 year old center almost averaging a double double in 25 mpg. Dekker, love his game and potential, but this isn't rookie year or 2nd year Robert Horry. If somebody wants Dekker in a deal where you are really getting something you want in return, then you do it, no doubt. Cause if you are asking whether I'd trade Dekker as part of a package to get back TJ Warren, or Avery Bradley, or Wilson Chandler, or Tobias Harris, or Nic Batum (basically a bunch of guys I'd put as equivalent to what Sean Elliot was back in the day), then absolutely you do that.
Dekker is playing very "fast" and "decisive" out there. And out-quicking his opponents at the PF spot. His shooting stroke also looks pure. Good release and pretty quick. He just needs to continue to bring that energy off the bench.
I thought he was slow not in 'how fast can he run', but how fast can he react. In general college ball is much slower in that aspect so it's very hard to predict quickness from the games. In the beginning of last year before the injury and even in the summer games earlier this year although he was good, he still looked slow to me in his release, lateral movement, and overall reaction to the plays. It always takes time for young players until the game 'slows down' for them, but I really didn't expect him to get in the rythem so fast. He truly surprised me. I don't want to jinx him because inconsistency is a disease of young players. Just hope he keeps that mind set of 'no fear' through out the year. It will be great for the team.
He's changed my mind - I no longer think of him as a bust or a scrub. He just needed to be in the right system and put in a position to best use his particular skillset.
Dekker's confidence right now is sky high...It has been very similar to how Chandler Parsons broke into the rotation with Mchale...But its more his offensive skills. The guy is atheletic, finishes at the rim...And has really got into a nice groove from distance. IMHO...If Dekker progresses like this...it really will make Ariza expendable. During the draft(someone I really hoped the Rockets would pursue), I believe that Dekker has intangibles that will allow him to maximize on his career. He seemingly isnt scared of anyone when he plays basketball...but I really see Dekker proving his worth during big time games. He really thrives on big stages.
I'm a huge fan of Dekkers game, but I think that's early. Ariza is absolutely huge for us defensively, even if you don't count the intangibles he brings to the table.
He seems plenty athletic to me. Athletic enough. He seems like he can really handle the ball with his left hand going full speed and can get to the rim and finish strong. Not easy to do for a 6'9 guy. Good first step. Much improved outside shot. I'm impressed. He needs more court time.
But also, i've heard the term "high IQ" attributed toward Dekker more than any other player in recent memory. While he's definitely a solid player that makes good decisions, i'm sure the excessive praise he receives about his "IQ" is also based on his whiteness. So its not all "negative" bias dude. And he is slower than some of the elite power forwards and guards. That's just facts.
ha ha...come on people stop this nonsens... yeah every time to see the word IQ I think white....h a ha ha I just spilling my coffee over laughing....lol...stop it please !
