Charlotte Hornets: Trade target Dewayne Dedmon is a different mold at center
Disgruntled Sacramento center Dewayne Dedmon is a realistic target for the Charlotte Hornets, and he’s also something they haven’t had in a center.
It’s trade season in the NBA, and one player has already voiced his displeasure with his role. That would be Dewayne Dedmon of the Sacramento Kings. The 30 year old center figures to be moved prior to the trade deadline, with the Charlotte Hornets being a potential destination.
Dedmon signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Kings during the off-season, and at the time, I loved the signing. I thought Dedmon would be a perfect fit starting at center, but that hasn’t been the case, as Head Coach Luke Walton has completely removed him from the rotation after an expected slow start breaking in with a new team.
To be fair, the play of Richaun Holmes has certainly played a role in Dedmon’s demotion, but still, I see no reason why Dedmon should be picking up DNP-CD’s, especially for a team fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Dedmon is averaging just 4.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 13.6 minutes for Sacramento this season, shooting 23 percent from three-point range.
Don’t let those numbers fool you. Dedmon is much, much better than this. Yes, his play this season has been poor, but Dedmon has proven to be a very good starting center in this league. He does two things the Hornets have been searching for from a center — protect the rim and stretch the floor.
Prior to joining Sacramento, Dedmon had great success in Atlanta. He averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in two seasons with the Hawks, shooting 51 percent from the field and 37 percent from deep.
As much as I like Charlotte’s recent starting centers in Bismack Biyombo, Cody Zeller and Dwight Howard, they don’t offer the defense or spacing that Dedmon does, and that is so crucial in today’s NBA.
Dedmon’s improved stroke makes him a tough cover for opposing centers. After strictly being a rebounder and defender during his early NBA stops in Philadelphia, San Antonio and Orlando, Dedmon has developed into a modern-day five man that can really help a team.
With Dedmon’s value dropping due to his reduced role, you have to wonder if the Hornets can make a play here. He’d instantly become the best center on the roster, in my opinion, and could start next to PJ Washington.
I’m not sure what the Kings would be looking for in a deal, but Dedmon and the Hornets seems like a really good match, especially if Charlotte wants to keep gunning for the playoffs. He’d be a big and welcome addition to the squad.
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Expect the trade rumors to get hotter and hotter as we creep closer to the new year and the trade deadline in February. Dedmon will very likely be wearing a different jersey soon, but will it say Charlotte on the chest? One can hope. He’s the center that the Charlotte Hornets have needed over the past couple years.