Lots of conversation has been had about the Boston Celtics need of an additional center. It should continue, because Dewayne Dedmon is not worth the gamble.
The Boston Celtics needing another big body continues to be one of the biggest storylines for the team this season. Most of the conversation ends when it’s established that all of the impactful bigs make too much money for a trade to be worth Beantown’s time.
However, a new name has entered the discussion.
A recent report by ESPN’s Shams Charania states that Sacramento Kings center, Dewayne Dedmon wants out of Sacramento.
"“Kings center Dewayne Dedmon wants a trade out of Sacramento and multiple teams are making offers to the franchise in anticipation of a deal prior to the February trade deadline, league sources say.”"
Dedmon has not made an impact like he did with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 4.8 points, 2.7 rebounds while shooting 41.9% from the field in his first year with the Kings.
Some of that has to do with the ascension of Richaun Holmes. Holmes is almost averaging a double-double in about 29 minutes a night, and has been arguably Sacramento’s most impactful player as they struggle to find footing in a deep Western Conference.
Even without Holmes in the picture, Dedmon has struggled to make much of an impact which is what’s ultimately led to his demotion.
His offensive shine was being a capable marksman from behind the arc, something he hasn’t been able to recapture this season, only converting at a 22% clip.
Defensively, he hasn’t been a total wash. Sacramento is three points better on that side of the ball with Dedmon on the floor.
The veteran big makes $13.3M, meaning it would take a combination of either rookie salaries or Enes Kanter being involved to make a deal work.
Say what you want about Kanter’s defense (It’s bad), but his offensive rebounding has been a valuable asset for a Celtics team that’s in the middle of the pack in eFG%.
The current crop of Celtics bigs show that they each bring their own unique set of skills to the table. This matchup based style of rotation has proven to be effective and shouldn’t be tampered with unless the perfect player should arise in the trade market.
Dewayne Dedmon is a solid big who could certainly help bolster a talent pool at the pivot spot for a playoff contender. But perhaps for what it would take to acquire him, it may not be in the Boston Celtics’ best interest to do so.
For now, continue sticking with what works. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.