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Sam Dekker Now an LA Clipper

By Noah Seligman

Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker (7) passes the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker (7) passes the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Rockets and LA Clippers executed a blockbuster trade on Wednesday

Wisconsin Basketball’s Sam Dekker was part of the package of players and one draft pick Houston sent to LA to acquire Chris Paul.    The Clippers sent Paul to Houston and received Dekker, Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, Patrick Beverley, and a top-three protected 2018 1st rounder from Houston.

The top three protection doesn’t mean a whole lot here since it seems like a fairly safe bet the Rockets won’t be drafting in the top three.  They were 55-27 last season good for the #3-seed in the Western Conference

This trade is not really a reflection on Dekker (or anything else LA sent to Houston) but merely Houston’s home run swing to close the gap with Golden State.  A new start for Dekker with a suddenly rebuilding Clippers isn’t the worst thing after a challenging start to his NBA career.

Related Story: Houston Rockets and Sam Dekker Crash out of NBA Playoffs

Last month I argued that the LA Clippers would be a good destination for Dekker.  Of course, that was based on the idea of pairing him with a solid point guard enabling him to get out and run the floor.

"A team like the LA Clippers would be a nice fit for Dekker.  Chris Paul was just 58th in the NBA in FGA per game but 4th in assists.  He would do well playing off the ball in LAC on offense and in front of a great rim protector like Deandre Jordan on the defensive end."

Of note, I really like the Clippers acquisition of Jawun Evans, the 39th overall pick,  buying him from the 76ers.   Evans fell to round two because he is not quite 6′ tall.  But he is a slippery guard with a complete offensive game and he and Dekker could pair well in the pick-and-roll.

Dekker didn’t voice anything but positive platitudes on twitter about the change.

Dekker should have a chance to claim the SF job during the upcoming season especially with Paul Pierce’s retirement.  The only other SF currently on the roster is Darrun Hilliard who is a Restricted Free Agent in 2018.  HIlliard has averaged just under 10 minutes per game in his two-year NBA career.

The other big news for the Clippers will be regarding Blake Griffin.  Griffin opted out of his contract and can enter unrestricted free agency on July 1st.  If the Clippers lose both him and Paul this offseason it’s fair to say the sights will be lowered considerably in the near term.  Some of these moves seemed designed to clear cap space for a run at free agents next season.

Next: Wisconsin Football: 2018 Class Among Nation's Best

So while the Clippers look poised to slip into rebuilding mode, that’s actually a good thing for Dekker to catch up on missed time in his brief NBA career.  Dekker is in a good position to earn a starting role next season for the Clippers.