Having been acquired by the Cavaliers in a trade earlier this summer, Sam Dekker potentially faces the unenviable task of filling the void left by LeBron James in Cleveland's starting lineup.
But even with the greatest player on the planet having taken his talents to Los Angeles, Dekker hardly sees his new team as one that's entering a rebuilding phase.
“They're by no means folding up," Dekker said of the Cavs, per The Herald Times Reporter. "I know LeBron did amazing things, got them a title, four straight Finals. I mean, no one will be able to replicate what he did for the city of Cleveland, but I think there's a sense of excitement now that we can see what we can compete with now."
Entering his fourth season in the league, Dekker possesses the potential to be a big part of that -- although at this point, he's far from a proven commodity. Selected with the No. 18 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Dekker spent the first two years of his career with the Houston Rockets before playing last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
A 6-foot-9 forward, Dekker possesses both versatility and range. His opportunities, however, have remained largely limited, as he averaged just 4.2 points in 12.1 minutes per game last season.
“Both sides left it on a good term," Dekker said of the Clippers. "The fit was just not the greatest and some things needed to be done, and that's OK. That's life and basketball."
Life in Cleveland should be much different, as the Cavs look to make up for the 36.9 minutes and 27.5 points per game they lost when James left. And with Rodney Hood still unsigned and the futures of Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith uncertain, Dekker is one of the few reliable wing players now present on the Cavs roster.
Of course, a fifth straight Finals is likely out of the question as Cleveland will likely have to fight just to make the playoffs.
But as Kevin Love's contract extension showed, being a part of the postseason is very much still Cleveland's goal. And if it's going to happen, it may require a breakout season from its new small forward.
“We're going to still try to compete, add some pieces, and to be a part of that is exciting," Dekker said. "I think there's a lot of good room for growth, and I'm excited to be, like I said, a part of that and contribute and hopefully land a good role there and show what I can do.”