Last Updated on April 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Sam Dekker is an American professional basketball player known for his versatility as a forward.

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Samuel Thomas Dekker
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: May 6, 1994
  • Hometown: Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm)
  • Weight: 230 pounds (104 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 10 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Jersey Number: Varied throughout his career; commonly wore numbers 7 and 8
  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • High School: Sheboygan Lutheran High School, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
  • College: University of Wisconsin (2012–2015)
  • NBA Draft: 2015 — Round 1, 18th overall pick — Selected by the Houston Rockets
  • Teams Played For:
    • Houston Rockets (2015–2017)
    • Los Angeles Clippers (2017–2018)
    • Cleveland Cavaliers (2018–2019)
    • Washington Wizards (2019)
    • Lokomotiv Kuban (2019–2020)
    • Türk Telekom (2020–2021)
    • Toronto Raptors (2021)
    • Bahçeşehir Koleji (2021–2022)
    • London Lions (2022–2024)
    • Joventut Badalona (2024–Present)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Children: One son, Harlan Wolf Dekker, born in 2022
  • Siblings: Not publicly available

Player Archetype / Play Style

Sam Dekker’s player archetype is that of a versatile combo forward, a bigger wing who can slide between forward spots, stretch the floor, and attack closeouts without needing an offense built around him. Defensively, he fits best as a multi-positional team defender who uses his size, mobility, and effort to switch across matchups, hold his own on the perimeter, and contribute on the glass rather than operate as a true rim protector. Offensively, his role is built on floor spacing, transition running, straight-line drives, and secondary scoring, with enough handling and passing feel to keep the ball moving. Physically, Dekker brings good size for a forward at 6-foot-9 and about 229 pounds, along with functional athleticism that helps him play above the rim and cover ground. His overall style is energetic and flexible, blending spot-up shooting, slashing, rebounding, and connective play in the mold of a modern supporting forward.

Fun Facts

  • Dekker gained national attention during his collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Badgers to the NCAA Championship game in 2015. His performance in the tournament showcased his scoring ability and versatility on the court.
  • After being selected 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2015 NBA Draft, Dekker’s professional career included stints with multiple NBA teams, as well as international clubs in Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his athleticism and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
  • Off the court, Dekker married Olivia Harlan, a sports reporter and daughter of NBA announcer Kevin Harlan, in 2018. The couple welcomed their first child, Harlan Wolf Dekker, in 2022.
  • As of 2024, Dekker continues his professional basketball career with Joventut Badalona in Spain’s Liga ACB and EuroCup Basketball, contributing his experience and skills to the team’s success.

Sources:

NBA Draft — Sam Dekker
Basketball-Reference — Sam Dekker International Stats
Sports Illustrated — 2015 NBA draft: SI’s Top 60 prospects