Orlando Magic Daily
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The Underrated and Important Dewayne Dedmon

By David Iwanowski

Mar 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) celebrate during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Amway Center. The Magic won 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) celebrate during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Amway Center. The Magic won 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) celebrate during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Amway Center. The Magic won 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) celebrate during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Amway Center. The Magic won 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Dewayne Dedmon was a rotation player for the Magic last season. After a very effective season and the hiring of a new coach, he should see his role increase

A key aspect that separates the 2015-2016 Magic team from those of the past three years is the increased depth.

While many think of Mario Hezonja, Evan Fournier and C.J. Watson as the key role players, Dewayne Dedmon will have a big effect on the team this season.

Dedmon was one of the Magic’s most underrated players last season, and should be primed for an increase in playing time, potentially even cracking the starting lineup.

Dedmon has been very effective on the defensive end of the court, and has been arguably the Magic’s best defensive player.

Yet, when it comes to predictions about the Magic’s rotation, Dedmon still seems to get a bit overlooked. There is not the same excitement for him as there are others despite the impact he had on games in his brief time last year. His role seems to bounce between starter and bench rim protector to . . . what do you do with him?

Dedmon has his own learning and maturing to do as a basketball player. And his offensive limitations may ultimately keep his role in check. There is still no denying the unique impact he can have on the Magic roster.

Next: A strong defender