CAMDEN, N.J.–The Philadelphia 76ers made their move in the buyout market by bringing in veteran Dewayne Dedmon on a deal for the rest of the season. The 33-year-old played 30 games to begin the 2022-23 season with the Miami Heat and he averaged 5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds and he shot 29.7% from deep on 1.2 attempts per game.
As he joins the Sixers now, he is expected to provide much-needed size as he stands at 7 feet tall. That will be a big help for Philadelphia as they have been relying on smaller options like Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed to back up Joel Embiid.
Dedmon also has a history in Philadelphia playing 11 games for the Sixers in the 2013-14 season during The Process era. On Wednesday morning, Dedmon gave his reaction to joining the Sixers as well as why his numbers were down a bit with the Heat.
Dedmon on why he joined the Sixers
“Just style of play. I feel like I can come in and help on the defensive end, talking, communicating, and trying to be in the right spots so I felt like it was a solid fit, good choice, and it worked out.”
On what stands out to him about the Sixers
“Just talent everywhere. Such a talented team. You got one of the best bigs in the league in Joel, you got an established star with James (Harden), an up-and-coming guard in (Tyrese) Maxey, so it’s a great team. Being able to get up and down the floor and win games.”
On if he knows what his role is just yet
“Not really. We’ll see as it comes as time goes on, but at the end of the day, it’s basketball. Gotta come in and defend first so that’s what I bring.”
On if he has talked to any of his new teammates yet
“I’ve talked to a lot of players. I’ve played with a lot of people in other cities so it’s pretty good.”
Comparing his first stint with the Sixers back in 2013
“It’s a different facility, man! We was at PCOM or something like that? Nah, this is nice. I like this. This whole thing is nice. Real nice. It’s cool.”
On growth of him and the Sixers since he was last in Philadelphia
“Shoot, what it’s been, nine years? Something like that? So I mean, it’s great growth for the organization, doing big things, especially the whole processing years has turned out in something good going on here. For myself, it’s just keep working. Keep your head down and keep working. It’s been paying off so I’m back here now and I’m ready to win.”
On his NBA journey so far
“I mean my journey started as a defensive player, defensive rebounding, shot-blocking, so that’s how it started. That was my niche and my role until I get to Atlanta so through San Antonio and then Atlanta is when they let me do a little bit more on the offensive end as far as shooting 3s and little stuff like that. I still hang my hat on defense. Being in the right spots, communicating, and just trying to do the right thing.”
On the tough season with the Heat
“For me, this season was kinda tough because I started the season with plantar fasciitis. So the whole first half of the season in Miami, I was playing with plantar fasciitis. So that was something that kinda took a toll on me as far as my mental and game shape and whatever it is. Just being able to get past that now and having a healthy body and put it on display here in Philly, I’m ready to go.”
On what Maxey brings off the bench
“He’s been great, man. Him coming off the bench, I kinda compare it to Tyler (Herro) last year. You know what I’m saying? He comes in, he’s explosive, he scores, he gets the offense going, and takes advantage of the other team’s second unit. He’s a great talent so I’m actually looking forward to playing with him.”
Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire
