PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers made their move in the buyout market when they added veteran Dewayne Dedmon to their mix of backup centers behind Joel Embiid.
Dedmon, who is 33 years old and in his 10th season out of USC, is looking to provide a defensive presence and some size to a Sixers team that will really need it on some nights. Standing at 7 feet tall, he provides a bigger option than either Montrezl Harrell or Paul Reed.
Coach Doc Rivers is happy with the addition of Dedmon and what he can bring to Philadelphia.
“He knows how to play, a vet, a great talker on defense,” Rivers said. “I like all the things he can bring us.”
Don’t expect Harrell and Reed to be pushed out of the rotation, however.
“We’ll add three to the mix,” Rivers said. “That’s basically what we’ll do.”
Dedmon’s size gives Rivers some relief, especially when considering the fact the Sixers will face some taller teams in the playoffs, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“On nights where — and it’s not a lot of nights, honestly, where size hurts us — but there are some, he’ll be a good use for us,” the coach stated.
Dewayne Dedmon preparing for work #Sixers pic.twitter.com/d6QrLoZeYl
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) February 15, 2023
Along with his defensive presence, Dedmon can knock down the 3-ball. He has shot 33.5% for his career, which is solid for a backup big man albeit on only 1.1 attempts per night.
“Yeah, he works on it and he’s done it,” Rivers finished. “I don’t think that’s what we’re looking for, honestly, but the fact that he can do that is an added bonus for sure.”
[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=]
[lawrence-related id=75494,75488,75418]