Unless he can defend guards, I have a hard time seeing him ever overtaking Ariza. Ariza's ability to defend 1-2-3-4 is absolutely what we need with James.
Y'all don't seem to remember how good Parsons was on Defense his rookie year. He got the attention of Kobe AND LeBron. I don't think we'll be seeing LeBron recognise Dekkers performance because he probably won't get any run on him and for good reason. Parsons was a legit defender that Rookie year and showed an all around game that was pushing a late 2nd year players comfort. Dekker is good and he shows a lot of skill and confidence so far, which are valuable but Parsons' rookie year is far more special with his impact..... So far.
Honestly . . . not overly concerned about his comparison to Parsons Sam is showing energy, skills and confidence. I like his upside potential He can be a solid bench/role player . . . . I think DD hits it on the nail . .. he can be Ariza like .. or Battier like .. . . Not an exact set of skills of either but a good professional a solid contributor .. . . Rocket River
Dekker can be whatever he wants to be. Hopefully the coaches can unlock that potential--sorta like Joe Johnson out of the blue.
What do u guys think of his ceiling? Honestly i thinn he can easily become an all-star. He is extremely potent at finishing at the rim, plays good defense, rebounds well. He acutally allready has a decent handle aswell. Since this is basically his rookie year due to his prior injury i think he can really become a great player for the rockets. I hope we dont trade him for some washed up all stars like anthony. Of course, a guy like carmelo would help right now, but dekker coule be our 2nd star for sure.
Dekker's defense on Durant was nothing short of brilliant. Watching him on the court he is obviously a high IQ basketball player. Parsons' rookie year stands out because even though he wasn't asked to, he had ample opportunity to shine due to the roster and opportunities. Dekker is making the absolute most of the court time he is getting on a squad that is 3rd in the West.
He will need to be an improved and consistent scorer. Defense rarely gets you in the All Star game. Honestly. . . . .. I would not trade him straight up for Carmelo Anthony at this moment. Melo is a ball hog, not as good on defense, and lacks heart. Rocket River
He's already the second player off the bench. That's a good sign. He still makes rookie mistakes but who wouldn't in this tempo. Dude looks solid
Easily? No way. He feeds off others. Most all-stars need to be able to create off isolation, post-ups or at least be given the ball with no edge and make something happen. Dekker isn't that type. He's at best a 4th/5th starter or 1st/2nd off the bench guy. His skillset isn't Parsons (yet), and Parsons isn't an all-star despite his contract.
This guy is making me prouder by the day. believed in him since i first watched him on youtube replay of some ncaa game.
I think his ceiling is what Wilson Chandler is doing this year: 20/8 per 36 minutes. He's already a decent rebounder, defender, and finisher. He just needs to learn how to create his own shot. Sky's the limit if he can.
Black Harrison Barnes. I mean this as a compliment. Big SF that can play a little 4. Not great at handling the ball, but can get to the basket and finish with impressive dunks. Athletic, but more in the areas of straight ahead speed and explosive leaping ability while being a little stiff in the hips when it comes to change of direction. 3 point range.
