A Royal Pain
Fansided

Three centers the Sacramento Kings should target in free agency

By Jonathan Roberts

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 19: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three-pointer against the Toronto Raptors during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 19: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three-pointer against the Toronto Raptors during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 16: Dewayne Dedmon (14) of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a three-pointer during the game against Daniel Theis (27) of the Boston Celtics on March 16, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 16: Dewayne Dedmon (14) of the Atlanta Hawks shoots a three-pointer during the game against Daniel Theis (27) of the Boston Celtics on March 16, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dewayne Dedmon might not be as well-known as some other free agent centers, but he’s well-worth a bit of recognition.

2018-19 per game averages:

  • Points: 10.8
  • Rebounds: 7.5
  • Assists: 1.4
  • Steals: 1.1
  • Blocks: 1.1
  • Shooting: 49.2 FG%/38.2 3PT%/81.4 FT%

Have you ever been one missing piece away from finishing a puzzle? Think of Dewayne Dedmon as that piece for the Sacramento Kings.

Now, that’s not to say the Sacramento Kings are suddenly going to make the Finals if they sign Dedmon, but he could unlock a world of options for the team as their starting center.

Dedmon’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim are nearly on par with what Brook Lopez would provide, but Dedmon’s also a highly capable rebounder (25 DREB%) whereas Lopez (15%) falls short.

He’s also not player who needs to be played 30 minutes per night or get a certain amount touches, but when he’s on the floor he gives you exactly what you want out of a center. He’s still just 29-years-old, and even though he’s dealt with some injuries, he’d still be a solid addition for this Kings team.

A more underrated part of this type of move is that it provides head coach Luke Walton (should he be their coach comes October) options with his lineups. With Harry Giles waiting in the wings, it’s very possible the Sacramento Kings will want to pursue a center they can add for a short-term deal who’s OK with conceding playing time to Giles should it be called for.

Giles struggled a lot last season, but really turned it on as the season progressed before an injury shut him down for the rest of the year. If the Kings feel Giles is ready for 20-30 minutes of action next season though, Dedmon would be a perfect addition.

Projected contract: two years, $22 million

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