NBA Free Agency: Could Mike Budenholzer and Dewayne Dedmon reunite in Milwaukee?

With the Milwaukee Bucks still facing questions at center could Dewayne Dedmon reunite with Mike Budenholzer when NBA free agency opens this summer?

Who is Dewayne Dedmon?

Dewayne Dedmon has built a solid and respectable career for himself, in spite of basketball beginnings that are far from the conventional path taken by NBA pros.

Describing players as late bloomers is common parlance in basketball circles, yet it’s much more accurate for Dedmon than most. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Dedmon’s mother opposed his interest in playing sport for fear it would negatively impact his time and devotion for his faith. As a result, Dedmon was 20 years old before he started to play basketball at a truly competitive level.

With that considered, it’s remarkable what Dedmon has been able to achieve in the relatively short time since, yet it stands as a testament to his physical gifts and work ethic. From Antelope Valley College, Dedmon ultimately transferred to USC before going undrafted in 2013.

More from Bucks Free Agency

• Remaining free agents who could fill the Milwaukee Bucks’ final roster spot
• 7 free agent targets with ties to new Milwaukee Bucks coach Adrian Griffin
• Ranking Bucks free agents from most to least likely to return next season
• Milwaukee Bucks: Predicting where impending free agents will soon sign
• Milwaukee Bucks: 3 Jeff Teague replacements in 2021 NBA Free Agency

With a relatively raw skill-set due to his inexperience, Dedmon has had to work incredibly hard to stick in the NBA and has improved significantly as a player across spells with the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs and, most recently, the Atlanta Hawks.

Playing under now Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta, Dedmon displayed the latest signs of progress, continuing his development into a well-rounded center capable of playing both ends of the floor, and channeling noteworthy physical advantages.

Coming off the back of a career year with the Hawks, Dedmon has a big decision to make as he has a chance to enter free agency with his reputation at an all-time high in league circles. Speaking to the media during Hawks exit interviews, Dedmon seemed intent on keeping his options open.

"“I have no predictions. I’ll talk to my agent and figure out the best decision for me and my family to move forward. I love the city of Atlanta, I had fun this season. See what happens.”"

Could those options include opting out and reuniting with Budenholzer and his staff in Milwaukee? Let’s take a closer look at Dedmon’s game and free agency situation in an attempt to find out.