Miami Heat: Pat Riley Sums Up Dewayne Dedmon Return Perfectly
The Miami Heat still have work to do.
While it may not seem like much out there, in the way of adding more talent to the roster, there are moves that can be made for guys like disgruntled players (Kevin Durant), perplexing assets (Kyrie Irving), and guys that just might not fit what their current team might be looking to do (John Collins).
That’s all still before the Miami Heat and while the ultimate prize is still Durant, for whom the Brooklyn Nets are seeking the “biggest” trade return in league history or one of them, they have to keep in mind that they want to be able to compete in the coming season, regardless of who else they can bring in.
A huge part of that is making sure to bring back the guys that have been key to this core over the last couple of seasons. Though brought on late in his first year in the season before last and though playing on a veteran’s minimum $2.3 million dollar deal last season, Dewayne Dedmon has been rewarded for his loyalty and work ethic in Miami.
The Miami Heat still have work to do, but they did manage to keep a few of their own key pieces in free agency. Dewayne Dedmon was one of those key guys.
light. Must Read. Miami Heat Either Add Another Star Or Risk Severe Relegation
Re-signing the big man quickly as the moratorium period got underway, the Miami Heat kept their most effective true center over these past seasons in tow. While many may not see the value in keeping Dedmon around, especially after the seeming volatility in what he could offer the Heat in these past playoffs, there is certainly value there.
You don’t get rid of size, especially when you are a small team. You don’t get rid of his physicality, demeanor, toughness, no-nonsense attitude, a guy with his ability to play defense as a big, and stretch teams out to hit the range shot on occasion.
The guy also isn’t bad, at all, near, around the rim, or in the pick and roll. Don’t take our word for it though, here is what one of his bosses, Pat Riley, had to say on the big man’s return to South Florida.
Pat Riley on re-signing Dedmon, "Dewayne brings essential attributes to the center position, including size, length, physicality, rebounding, scoring and a defensive mentality to protect the rim. He has proven to be a great veteran for us and we are fortunate to have him back.”
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 6, 2022
So, again, they still have work to do, but this was a key retention for the Miami Heat.
Next. Heat Summer League: Nikola Jovic Physicality Stands Out Among 3-Pt Show. dark
That’s right from the mouth of the Godfather himself, Pat Riley. Besides, it’s always good to have a Mechanic on standby.