At Thursday’s exit interviews, Hawks center Dewayne Dedmon confirmed he would like to return to Atlanta.
Dewayne Dedmon said he'd like to return to the Hawks
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) April 11, 2019
The 7-foot center experienced unparalleled growth in his offensive game over his two years with the Hawks, becoming somewhat of a sniper from beyond the arc. This past season, Dedmon averaged 3.4 threes per game (no that is not a typo) and shot 38.2% from three – up from 35.5% in 2017-2018. Before coming to Atlanta, he was shunned from shooting threes and treated strictly as a rim protector and rebounder. The expansion of his game will make him an exponentially more valuable player than when he hit the market two seasons ago.
Another player who has an interest in coming back to Atlanta for perhaps his final season is the 41-year old legend, Vince Carter. Carter has admitted multiple times that he just wants to play. It does not matter who he plays for. Although, following the Hawks’ final game on Wednesday, Carter did say, “The team I play for always gets the first option.”
Vince Carter on returning next season: "I'll just sit back and hope that phone rings. … The team I play for always gets the first option." pic.twitter.com/voZgK1QloZ
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) April 11, 2019
Carter is not going to be the Hawks priority, but he did have a remarkable year for a player in his 21st season. He shot 38.9% from three-point range which was his best mark since his 2012-2013 season with the Dallas Mavericks. Carter still has the game to play at the NBA-level, and he was integral in mentoring the young Hawks core. However, this is an Atlanta team prepared to take the next step in their development, and there might be a better place for Carter to continue his illustrious career.