There May Be An Unexpected Winner For The Golden State Warriors’ Final Roster Spot

March 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Dewayne Dedmon (14) reacts after drawing a foul against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Preseason basketball has arrived as the 2013-2014 regular-season is just around the corner. The Golden State Warriors had quite a rocky start to the exhibition games, winning just one of their first three games thus far. With a few training camp-invites contending to make the final roster spot, it is feasible that an unlikely winner garners the final roster position.

Standing at 7-feet tall and weighing in at 250 lbs, Dewayne Dedmon is the most probable candidate to make this team. As a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, Dedmon was banned from engaging in basketball related activities as a child by his mother so that he would serve only one master. However, after germinating from his adolescence into adulthood, Dewayne audaciously relinquished his mothers’ admonitions. Dedmon turned 18 six years ago and has been developing his basketball skills ever since.

Not only is Dedmon playing basketball, he has earned a training camp-invite by the Golden State Warriors and is now representing the blue and gold in the preseason. He is making the most out of the minutes allocated to him and is being very productive.

He is averaging 3.3 points on 55% from the field, 3.7 rebounds and1 blocked shot in just 10 minutes per game. To put Dewayne’s production in perspective, Draymond Green is averaging identical numbers in double the amount of playing time. He played basketball at USC where he averaged 7.1 points 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, and has a lot of potential heading into the NBA.

When asked if Dewayne can make the team, head coach Mark Jackson did not hesitate.

“He has a chance,” said Jackson. “He really does have a chance. His size, he’s a very good athlete, ability to shoot the basketball. He picks up things quickly on the floor. I like him a lot. He’s going to have a chance. I really believe he’s an NBA player today.”

As of right now, Andrew Bogut is clearly the starting center for the Warriors, but he has proven throughout his career to be prone to injuries. Jermaine O’Neal, who was brought in to back up Bogut at the center position, is 35 years old and has had his fair share of injuries in the past.

Dewayne Dedmon can be a suitable insurance policy for the Warriors, and perhaps crack a spot in the rotation as he continues to develop and polish his skills.