In the Hawks’ search for a center, Dewayne Dedmon has officially shown up on Atlanta’s radar.
Dewayne Dedmon is a large-bodied center out of the University of Southern California. Currently listed at 7′ and 245 pounds, Dedmon would be a welcome addition to the Atlanta Hawks. If he were to sign with Atlanta, he likely becomes the team’s new starting center.
Hawks have expressed interest in Dewayne Dedmon, league sources told Basketball Insiders. Willie Reed also on the radar, per @AlexKennedyNBA
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 10, 2017
Dedmon is still relatively young, despite playing with four teams in four years. At just 27 years of age this is a player the Hawks could potentially look to groom and add as a piece to the now youth enriched roster of the Hawks. He is coming off his best year in the NBA, one where the San Antonio Spurs helped groom his game to new heights.
Dewayne Dedmon set career highs in just about every stat with the Spurs last season. He played in 76 games and started 37 of them, averaged 17.5 minutes per game, shot 62.2% from the floor, grabbed 6.5 rebounds and scored 5.1 points per game. He also played in just one game in which he played 30 minutes last year; Dedmon put up 17 points and 17 rebounds.
Dewayne Dedmon seems to be just the right team fit away from really taking that next big step towards being a quality NBA player. He is a great rebounder and has grown into a good low post scorer when given the opportunity. The Hawks could be just that, the perfect team fit. Obviously whichever center the team signs in free agency will be the team’s starter at the five-spot for the likely entirety of next season, and potentially years to come.
Atlanta had also been reported to have shown interest in former Heat center Willie Reed, and that interest still seems to be there. Either option could work well, and according to Chris Vivlamore’s most recent report, the team could potentially sign both if things work out perfectly. The team is looking to sign a power forward and a center per Vivlamore.
Hawks in negotiations with several players. Look for another point guard, power forward and at least one center.
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) July 10, 2017
If the Hawks are going to start making some moves to complete their roster, the time seems to be right now. Whether it’s Dewayne Dedmon or others, look for the Hawks to be hot on the news very soon.