Listed at 7 feet tall and 245 lbs, Dewayne Dedmon is a rising star in the NBA. Hailing from Lancaster, Calif., Dedmon has faced adversity that he has always overcome. Although tall and athletic, Dedmon did not play high school basketball until his senior year due to his mother’s fear that it might affect his religion devotion. Once he turned 18, Dedmon made the decision to pursue his dream and is now the starting center for the Atlanta Hawks. Dedmon played college basketball at Antelope Valley Community College where he quickly attracted the attention of the University of Southern California basketball program. Dedmon’s quest to a stable career in the NBA was not a clear or simple path. After his junior year at USC, Dedmon went undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft and signed his first contract with the Golden State Warriors. He spent his time playing for both the Warriors and their developmental team, the Santa Cruz Warriors. During the 2013-14 seasons Dedmon signed four 10-day contracts; two with the Philadelpia 76ers and two with the Orlando Magic. At the end of the final 10-day contract, Dedmon signed a multi-year deal with the Orlando Magic where he played until the end of the 2016 season. In July 2016, Dedmon became a member of the San Antonio Spurs. During the 2016-17 season, he started at center for 37 games. A year after signing with the Spurs, Dedmon signed with the Atlanta Hawks prior to the 2017-18 season where he started in 46 games and appeared in 62. More recently, Dedmon re-signed with the Hawks for the 2018-19 season. Dedmon’s personality is reflective in his playing style. He’s an energetic player who rebounds, blocks shots, and runs the floor. His hard work and dedication throughout his career have brought him to where he is today.
