As we move ever closer to the preseason, let’s take a look at the goals for each player on the Atlanta Hawks as we head into the 2018-19 regular season.
To the surprise of many, Dewayne Dedmon opted into the player option on his contract to return to the Atlanta Hawks for the 2018-19 season. After an impressive first season in Atlanta this was a welcome sight for most fans and gives Dedmon another year as a starter to prove his worth in the NBA and showcase his abilities every single night.
As the 2017-18 season moved on we saw constant improvement in Dedmon. He became a better rebounder, shot blocker, and added a whole new aspect to his game with pretty consistent corner three-point jumper.
My main goal for Dedmon to improve on this season is for him to continue to gain confidence and improve his ability to spread the floor. Dedmon’s game should open up with the addition of Trae Young who should, at the very least, create space for everyone and deliver dimes to big men who run the floor, which is something that both Dedmon and John Collins did very well last year.
With a full year as a starting center under his belt Dedmon should have a newfound confidence and swagger as he steps onto the floor trying to prove that he could be a strong starter all around the league. He has the size and athleticism to do it and has started to showcase a varied and interesting skill set that would benefit all teams in the NBA.
If Dedmon can become a solid and consistent rim protector with the ability to run and spread the floor at an above-average rate he could be a long-term solution for the Hawks as the team moves forward into what will hopefully be a short rebuild — which is the best-case scenario for Atlanta Hawks fans.
Last season Dedmon averaged 10 points and 7.9 rebounds in about 25 minutes per game which are very respectable numbers that I only see improving this year for him. He will be in a contract year and his second full season as a starter on a young team where he has the ability to shine and produce at a high level.