MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 09: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat talks with Jimmy Butler #22 against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 09, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Heat made another impressive addition in the buyout market.
The Miami Heat were busy before the trade deadline and added nice veteran pieces in Trevor Ariza and Victor Oladipo. But the team was not done and were rumored to be attached to several top big men.
The buyout market moved fast and the Heat missed out on the likes of Andre Drummond and LaMarcus Aldridge. They have settled for another talented seven-footer who can come in and produce right away.
Heat add Dewayne Dedmon as the playoffs approach
Dewayne Dedmon is a former undrafted player who has played for six different NBA teams. He last played with the Atlanta Hawks in 2020 before the NBA shut down because of COVID-19.
Dedmon has both started and come off the bench throughout his career. He now heads to Miami as a great depth option and someone who can make an impact in 10-15 minutes per game. Bam Adebayo can head to the bench and opponents will have to deal with another player who stands 7-feet tall.
Nemanja Bjelica was another notable addition as well after coming over in a trade with the Sacramento Kings. He stands 6-foot-10 and the Heat all of a sudden have real size off the bench.
Dedmon has never been a huge scoring threat, but also only averages just over 18 minutes per game throughout his career. He’s a good rim protector and made 37.2 percent of his 3s over his last two full seasons in Atlanta. A few rebounds and blocks are what the Heat need out of him during his time on the floor. They have the scorers needed to win.
The Heat are still in a real fight for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. The team enters play Wednesday with a 26-25 record good enough for the No. 6 seed. However, the Heat are only one game out of eighth and four games away from the final play-in spot at No. 10 in the conference.
Adding Dedmon isn’t going to be some monumental move. But it helps fill a need on the roster with a veteran presence.