3. Dewayne Dedmon
This is probably the least-known name on this list. Dewayne Dedmon is a backup center for the Orlando Magic, and he’s set to be a free agent. Yes, that’s two ex-Magic players for those keeping score at home. Anyway so Dedmon has always been one of those guys in the league I just like.
Dedmon’s stats won’t blow you away–4.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.2 minutes per game–but extrapolated for 36 minutes and we’re looking at a 13 and 12 guy. Sure, it’s not as simple as that, but it does reflect a certain effectiveness in small samples.
I don’t envision Dedmon as a replacement for Whiteside. Just a backup. Miami’s need for a second true center was evident in the second round of the playoffs after Whiteside went down with a right MCL sprain. The Heat didn’t have another bigman to turn to, while the Raptors had Bismack Biyombo when their own starting center Jonas Valanciunas was injured.
Biyombo’s had a hell of a post-season ever since, and is going to cash in this summer. Whichever teams don’t sign Biyombo will be looking for the next Biyombo. Dedmon, 26 years old and a solid 7 feet tall, is as good a bet as any free agent.
Next: Three-point shooter