Fansided

Re-drafting the 2015 NBA Draft

By John Buhler

Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 95-78. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 95-78. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker (7) warms up before playing the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker (7) warms up before playing the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

24. . Small Forward. Wisconsin Badgers. Sam Dekker. 22. player

Sam Dekker had an injury-riddled rookie season with the Houston Rockets, appearing in only three games after being a huge reason behind the Wisconsin Badgers’ 2015 run to the National Championship Game along with Frank Kaminsky.

Chicago did make a great value pick in the 2015 NBA Draft in taking Portis at No. 23, but remember that he is with the Wizards in this re-draft. Since Chicago already has a log jam at power forward and center, they could have realistically used another small forward in 2015-16 while Mike Dunleavy, Jr. dealt with injuries.

Yes, Dekker missed nearly all the 2015-16 NBA season with the Rockets, but he does have the offensive game that could thrive in the small ball era of the NBA. He’s got that Middle America upbringing and championship pedigree that could have appealed to first year head coach Fred Hoiberg, the Mayor of Ames, Iowa.

Wings don’t grow on trees in the NBA, so it’s probably wise to take a gamble on a great collegiate wing in Dekker here at No. 22, even though he wasn’t healthy at all as a rookie. He could grow into a solid role player on a good team playing small forward. If he can play better defense than Wisconsin teammate Kaminsky, even better.

Next: 23. Portland Trail Blazers

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