Dekker is more athletic than Barnes. Barnes is actually the lunch pail Dekker with a better jump shot.
Dekker is a stiffer version of Barnes. Barnes' athleticism just has more flexibility and smoothness to it.
I don't really see Dekker as a Harrison Barnes type player. He reminds me more of younger version of Nic Batum which isn't a bad thing.
If he keeps working on his game and stays in excellent shape, he could be really really good in 2-3 years. You have to remember, Dekker was a high volume scorer in college. This was probably his initial struggle in the NBA, learning how to be a role player and doing the hard work and becoming an off the ball player. He's done so well at that, I was surprised how well he adapted. What's positive about that is, somewhere in that mind, he still has the mentality of a scorer. I think as he gets better at shooting (3pt and FT's), you will see his driving game become very serviceable as a counter threat when he gets defended too close. He won't just forget that taking the ball to the hole was a central part of his game for several years in college. That's when his game opens up. When he can be a 3rd scoring option on a team in addition to non-stop assaulting the opponent when he's off the ball. I think that could happen in 2 years, just when it's time to make a decision on extending him. Don't sleep on this guy developing into a potent 3rd scoring option for a contender. As for the player he is right now, we really needed someone like him this season, good thing he stepped up.
Dek really needs to work on his 3-point shot this summer. Besides the centers in our team, I see him being being the one opposing teams leave wide open on those shots. He could really become a great player with his high bb iq.
Batum? I don't see that. Batum is more a guard/wing and Dekker is definitely a forward. Barnes is an interesting comparison. Hopefully he can put the jump shot together. If he could get that 3 point shot to be consistently above 35% he would be absolutely deadly.
Man I'm on a hot streak. I compared Dekker to Barnes months ago and I suggested we trade for Lou Williams months ago as well. Am I an Insider now? Anybody want to subscribe to my newsletter?
If Dekker is able to learn to defend the SF position he's gonna be a very serious SF. But that's right now a big IF.
I was VERY IMPRESSED when Dekker hit the deck to fight for that loose ball against the Clippers. That play showed me how gritty Sam is. He has a bright future. If he can hit the 3 consistently, he will retire a Rocket.
Barnes? Hmm. I guess then I will be looking forward to Dekker breaking out his ISO scoring game. That would be a nice addition to the offense. Though I would settle for a better 3pt% shot. It really has fallen off.
