DewayneDedmon

News: 7 days agoDedmon played 16 minutes off the bench in Monday's 104-99 win over the Raptors and finished with eight points (4-6 FG), nine rebounds and three blocks.

Spin: After missing seven straight contests with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his left knee, Dedmon made his return to action Jan. 12, but he was forced to settle for a backup role after rookie Omer Yurtseven had claimed the starting job following a string of strong performances. Though Yurtseven had averaged an impressive 13.6 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 30.9 minutes per contest while starting in each of the previous 10 games, he was moved out of the rotation entirely when top center Bam Adebayo (thumb) made his return from a seven-week absence Monday. Adebayo logged 32 minutes in his return and should see the overwhelming majority of the playing time at center moving forward, but Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra looks like he'll prioritize Dedmon over Yurtseven as the top backup option. Though Yurtseven is the more imposing rebounder, Dedmon is the more skilled shot-blocker and defender and offers more of a floor-stretching option at center.