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The Curious Case of Dewayne Dedmon

By Sam Skubala

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 /
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Dewayne Dedmon, Orlando Magic, Andrea Bargnani, New York Knicks, Tim Hardaway Jr.
Feb 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Knicks center Andrea Bargnani (77) and Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. try to hold back Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. The Magic won 89-83. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive IQ

For all his strengths on the defensive end of the floor — Dedmon is notably more athletic than fellows centers Nikola Vucevic and Jason Smith, and is the best rim protector of the three — Dedmon still has his limitations.

Since entering the league, Dedmon has been foul prone, which has limited the overall impact he can have on a game, and 2016 has been no different.

The 7-footer is averaging 1.9 fouls per game in 12.2 minutes per game entering Sunday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, equating to 5.5 fouls per 36 minutes, nearly enough to foul out of a game. Until Dedmon is able to better discipline himself, it is likely he keeps getting in foul trouble.

Another problem the big man often encounters is his tendency to be drawn into opposition plays, pulling him out of position. For example, when an opponent drives to the rim, Dedmon will often come out to challenge the shot, leaving his established position and giving his assignment under the basket an easy bucket.

A more under-the-radar problem with Dedmon’s defense comes in the low post.

Because of his thin frame, he often finds himself outmuscled by larger and stronger big-men in the post — think how Greg Monroe bullied him early on in Friday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Much like the Magic’s other big-men, he must continue working to become stronger.

Next: Still developing