The Curious Case of Dewayne Dedmon

Oct 30, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) blocks Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (5) shot during the second half at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 139-136 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) blocks Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (5) shot during the second half at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 139-136 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Dewayne Dedmon, Orlando Magic, Kyle Singler, Oklahoma City Thunder
Oct 30, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) blocks Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (5) shot during the second half at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 139-136 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

There was a lot of hope pinned to Dewayne Dedmon entering the season. He has struggled to find his fit. With some opportunity lately, he has thrived.

Dewayne Dedmon.

A quick trawl through internet message boards and comment sections quickly reveals a section of the Orlando Magic fan base who believe the former USC Trojan has been underused by coach Scott Skiles and should be playing greater minutes.

The recent injury to starting center Nikola Vucevic has given Magic big man Dewayne Dedmon greater playing time, and the 26-year-old center averaged 6.2 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game in the 13 games Vucevic missed. A solid pick-and-roll defender, and a good rebounder, the former Warrior and 76er has shown flashes of becoming a solid backup big-man.

In moments, he will look like the super-athletic rim protector the Magic need. In other moments, he will look like a player still learning how to play basketball and struggling to get in the right spots.

However, at this stage of his career, is Dedmon ready to see more minutes on the floor? What does his play mean for his future as he enters free agency this summer?

Next: The numbers