Dewayne Dedmon started 15 games this season for the Orlando Magic and could become the starting power forward the team needs.
Dewayne Dedmon was an undrafted rookie from whom little was expected. There was no benchmark, no set expectation for what Dedmon could become or what he could do. He seemed like just the right player to take a chance on to Magic general manager Rob Hennigan.
Dewayne Dedmon’s season began humbly.
Exceeding the expectations that never existed was easy for the long, defensive-minded big man. Dedmon even carved his way into the starting lineup while the Magic were lacking defensively, and save some issues with foul trouble, he thrived.
In all, Dedmon ended up playing his way past Channing Frye, a $8-million contract and billed starting power forward. He played past Kyle O’Quinn, the bruising second-round pick who showed a lot of positive signs then was benched. Dedmon proved to be worth more than the No. 4 overall pick Aaron Gordon, and while Gordon debatably could have a higher future, it is Dedmon at this point who is the more sure thing.
It is Dedmon who has the calling card to carve out a decade-plus long career in the Association. His commitment to improving his game has been notable, and he has shown signs that he could be a starting caliber power forward.
We did not hesitate to draw parallels between what Dedmon has done and what the Magic got from a young Ben Wallace.
The similarities are very inspiring and very encouraging.
Next: The Good and the Bad
The Good and the Bad
The worst part of Dewayne Dedmon is his foul troubles. Dedmon averages 6.0 fouls per-36, essentially meaning he fouls out every game given full-time minutes.
Dedmon averaged 14.3 minutes over his 59 appearances, but he did very well in the 15 games in which he started.
The Magic were 5-10 in Dedmon’s starts, which is a slightly better clip (.333) than the team’s .304 win percentage. Dedmon scored in double figures in just one game of those starts, but he came up with more than a block per game and eight rebounds per game.
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Generated 5/11/2015.
Dedmon had four games with double figure rebounds. He is a rugged player on the interior and finishes well.
But Dedmon has shortcomings offensively. He really cannot shoot the ball outside of four or five feet, and he basically relies on perimeter players creating looks for him or scoring opportunity buckets.
That is not to say that he could not eventually develop into a formidable offensive threat, but right now he is by all means a liability offensively.
His hands are good, which is a sign that he could become a finisher and alley-oop specialist, like Tyson Chandler was with Chris Paul.
Dedmon is lucky to be playing with someone like Elfrid Payton who can create looks for bigs, and Victor Oladipo pairs well with Dedmon, too, giving him a couple of players who contribute regularly to his offense.
A lot of Dedmon’s issues may be alleviated simply with further growth.
As he adapts to NBA quality players, he will learn to avoid foul trouble by staying straight up and not reaching for blocks. His timing is good, so it stands to reason he could eventually develop into a true rim protector.
Dedmon lacks Serge Ibaka-like instincts, to be sure, but Dedmon is a superb athlete like Ibaka. He is not at all lacking in vertical leap and that should eventually help him become a shot blocker if he gets the hang of it.
Some guys take a while to come into their own in that respect. It certainly seemed as though Dedmon had proven he is worthy of being a starting power forward…
But, Dedmon needs to continue to spend time bulking up to become a reliable force at the 5-spot. If he wants to be a power forward, and that is what Magic staff expects, he is well-suited. But his ability to play both post positions is what could make him most attractive as an NBA talent, and given he has the length and has added muscle so well already, finishing the product in the weight room seems like the easy choice.
Next: Best Game of 2015
Best Game of 2015
March 8 vs. Boston
11 points, 16 rebounds (8 offensive), 2 blocks, 4/5 FGs, 3/6 FTs
Dewayne Dedmon started and played 28 minutes in the win over Boston, hitting an efficient 4 of 6 from the floor and 3 of 6 from the free throw line, while pulling down 16 rebounds and blocking two shots.
He pulled down 26.1 percent of the total rebounds and held Tyler Zeller to 3 of 9 shooting for six points and six rebounds.
Brandon Bass had a big game (19 points, 17 rebounds), but that was largely a product of Channing Frye not stepping out and Bass outworking him.
Dedmon anchored the paint and the Magic got 22 from Victor Oladipo, while Elfrid Payton turned in a 19-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist effort.
More importantly, Dedmon was the anchor defensively as the Magic erased a 20-point deficit to come from behind and win at home. It was a relief to win this kind of game. Again, a continuing sign of positivity in the season.
Next: 2016 Outlook
2016 Outlook
What happens with Dewayne Dedmon’s role is going to be hugely influenced by where the Magic decide to go in the 2015 Draft, as well as whether Aaron Gordon becomes a priority development-wise, and how he grows and develops. The new coach will also play a large role.
Gordon has a lot more invested in him as a lottery pick, but if Dedmon continues to work hard he is not exactly short of talents and athleticism either.
Dedmon is the more limited of the two, but of the players on the roster at season’s end, Dedmon and Gordon appear to be the two that will man the 4-spot next year. He is going to have to work extensively on his shooting, but the sample size was decidedly small this year from Dedmon. He shot just 162 field goals and 64 free throws.
That is not an entirely insignificant sample size, but 67.3 percent of his shots came from three feet and in. He shot 67.9 percent on those attempts, but hit just 27.2 percent from 3 to 10 feet, a range that encompassed 34.1 percent of his field goal attempts.
Dedmon does not have to be relegated to be a guy who just finishes at the basket, but at this point he really is — teams dare him to make a move away from the basket, and he usually proceeds to try to get closer to the rim before putting it up.
That is a sign of a lack of confidence, mostly, and something that will be overcome with more minutes.
Dedmon knows he can finish at the rim, but other teams do too, so they do not hesitate to foul him. He shot just 53.1 percent from the line, but again, that could improve with more attempts, comfort and work.
It is concise to say, but Dedmon is still very much a work in progress.
The fact he works as hard as any player in the league should bode well for all of the improvements coming in due time. He is just 25 years old and by the time he hits his prime he could be strong in several areas he is just not even good at right now.
He could be like Ben Wallace, with more offense, we hope.
Next: Final Grade
