Atlanta Hawks: 3 Bold Predictions for Alex Len in 2018-19

Alex Len Will Start More Games Than Dewayne Dedmon

With Dewayne Dedmon out for the forseeable future, Len is expected to start at the 5 for the Hawks. Miles Plumlee might make a feeble run for the spot during training camp, but excluding something miraculous, expect Len to easily subdue that attempt.

The Dedmon injury news has been extremely vague, but his avulsion fracture isn’t supposed to be one that will sideline him for an extended period of time. However, if Len makes the most of the starts he gets while Dewayne is bench-ridden, he’ll make the center position something to think deeply about for head coach Lloyd Pierce.

Dedmon was also a hot topic near the trade deadline a year ago, and could be put in the same conversation this year if he heals back to his former strength. One could see the possibility of some playoff bound teams looking for frontcourt depth sending fliers out on the future of the stretchy Dedmon.

He will be an unrestricted free agent following this season, meaning he’d be looked at as a quality, low-risk rental — and if he gets dealt, Len’s stranglehold on center minutes becomes even more secure.

Let’s predict that Len, cushioned by a 10-20 game advantage by the time that Dedmon comes back, ends up comfortably starting more games than him.