It had not been a typical NBA journey for Dewayne Dedmon.
Not unless you count a wealth of 10-day contracts and playing in development leagues and bouncing around between five different teams in as many years.
But the 7-foot Dedmon appeared to have found a home after signing in the offseason with the Hawks. Twenty games in – all starts at center – he was averaging career-highs in points (11.1), rebounds (7.8) and blocks (0.9).
And then came a left tibia stress reaction.
For the last six weeks, Dedmon has sat and watched his Hawks struggle. Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, his wait was finally over.
“It’s definitely exciting, man,” Dedmon said prior to the game. “I’m anxious to get back out there with my guys and play a little basketball, have some fun.”
Dedmon, 28, did not start after he was upgraded to probable on the team’s injury report. He was on a minutes restriction as he builds playing time and continues to push his leg. Dedmon played 20 minutes in a 108-107 loss to the Clippers and had six points and three rebounds.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said the team had missed plenty while Dedmon was out.
“He’s helped us on both ends of the court,” Budenholzer said. “Active defensively, his length and shot-blocking. He’s a good communicator defensively. And then offensively the way he’s kind of grown his game, shooting corner 3’s and finishing around the basket. He’s just fit us well.
“And I think a little bit of his leadership and his personality have been a really welcomed addition this year. I think getting those things back on the court, we’re all looking forward to it.”
Dedmon’s return is personally fortuitous for another reason. He’s starting his comeback in Los Angeles. He went to high school in nearby Lancaster north of Los Angeles and played collegiately at Southern California.
“It’s definitely a blessing,” he said. “Particularly playing in front of my mom a little bit.”
Dedmon said it was difficult going down with injury after getting off to such a strong start with the Hawks, but understands the nature of the game.
“It comes with basketball,” he said. “You have to take it and move on. I’m back now and ready to go.”
He said the time off wasn’t completely wasted. Still new to the team, he thinks he learned about his teammates from simply watching them play.
“You learn different tendencies of your teammates,” he said. “Just seeing how they play and play together. Things like that. When I come back, I don’t want to mess up the flow too bad.”
About the Author
