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The Best Free-Agents Outside of Dwight Howard and Josh Smith
By Taylor Jones
After the postseason, NBA fans eagerly await Free-Agency, pondering whether or not their team can retain their free-agents, or bring in any marquee players. One of the things that makes the NBA free-agency unique is because signing one player impacts a team much more than it would in any other sport. Therefore, drama is sure to arise because of fans desperately pleading for their Franchise Player to return. This season, the top two free-agents are clear: Dwight Howard and Josh Smith, but outside of those two are a very deep class.
Paul Millsap
Statline: 14.8 ppg 7.1 rpg 1.0 bpg
Standing at 6'8, Paul Millsap is a stretch four who is undersized. That's the logic that scouts used when they passed on Paul Millsap 48 times in the draft, before he was finally snagged by the Utah Jazz. The fact that Paul Millsap is not only still in the league, but playing well as a starter on a possible playoff team is a testament to his hard work. As soon as Millsap was given the chance, he exploded onto the scene and hasn't looked back since. He has a chip on his shoulder, and he's found a way to grind it out down low for the duration of his career to this point. At 28, Millsap could be a solid second option on a playoff team for a reasonable contract.
Andrew Bynum
Statline: 0ppg, 0 rpg, 0apg
Andrew Bynum has always been injury prone throughout his career, but it had finally appeared as if the big man had gotten past his reoccurring knee injuries. Take one look at his stats this season and you can see he hasn't. Hype was starting to emerge that Bynum could be the next dominant center, and the Philadelphia 76ers bought in. They traded away All-Star Andre Iguodala in a promising package to an assortment of teams, and in return got the services of Andrew Bynum. So far they haven't gotten any of those services. After missing out on the playoffs, the 76ers are likely tired of waiting for Bynum to comeback. I see Bynum going to a team on a short-term, yet massive contract and a team overpaying for Andrew Bynum.
Al Jefferson
Statline: 17.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.1 bpg
The second of the Jazz front-court to test the free-agent market, Al Jefferson is the more impressive of the two. Jefferson has already played for three franchises and his career, and this summer he could be joining a fourth. Al Jefferson has been a dominant offensive player in the post for the Utah Jazz, and has really made his presence felt offensively. Jefferson has probably been the more reliable Utah Jazz player this season. If Jefferson can help lead his team to the playoffs he will show teams his leadership, and he could be signed by a playoff team
Tyreke Evans
Statline: 15.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.6 apg
After exploding onto the scene and in his rookie year, Tyreke Evans has struggled to put up similar numbers since. Part of the dilemma could be that Evans hasn't been played consistently with the Sacramento Kings. He has played point-guard, shooting guard and small-forward, but at 6'6 shooting guard seems to be his calling. His low assist and rebounding (in addition to his height) make it hard for him to be a successful small-forward, and his lack of ball-handling skills make it hard for Evans to run an offense. This year Evans is putting up respectable numbers and has earned a hefty contract with a team in need of a shooting guard. That team will likely be the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are in need of a scoring guard, and Evans can step in as a starter on day one and provide just that for a team that will try to contend for a playoff spot.
JR Smith
Statline: 18.1 ppg, 2.7 apg, 5.3 rpg
A likely winner of the sixth man of the year award, JR Smith is averaging career highs in points and rebounds, and has improved his overall, all-around game. Known more for his streakiness and his prolific tendency to score, Smith has quietly become one of the better rebounding shooting-guards in the league. Smith has boosted his points a game by 6, and has shown that he has what it takes to be a starter. Although in his mind he was "snubbed" from the All-Star Game, he will not be "snubbed of a nice contract. With the New York Knicks being such a big market, money will not be an issue for the Knickerbockers. JR Smith has finally been given starters minutes, is playing in a big market on a great playoff team so I see Smith resigning with the Knicks.
Monta Ellis
Statline: 19.2 ppg, 6.1 apg, 3.9 rpg
With a player option to test free-agency this off-season, Ellis is expected to opt-out of his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Obtaining Ellis from the Golden State Warriors and pairing him with Brandon Jennings is the main reason that the Bucks have made the playoffs for the first time in 3 years. Despite shooting career-lows from the field, Monta Ellis is still a threat to put up 20 points on any given night. One key thing about Ellis' game that could help many potential suitors overlook Ellis' shooting woes this season could be his improvement in passing. Even though he's viewed as a one-dimensional player, Ellis has now put up 3 back to back seasons where he's averaged near 6 assists a game, a key attribute for an under-sized shooting-guard. Whether or not Monta Ellis' decision to opt out of his contract signifies a change of scenery or not, the Bucks may be willing to part with the seven year veteran after only a season and a half.
David West
Statline: 17.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.9 apg
David West has always been under-appreciated, and has always showed his doubters wrong. Coming out of high-school, David West was "only" given a scholarship to Xavier, and after a standout career there, West fell out of the lottery by four picks. After breaking out in the 2005-2006 season with the New Orleans Hornets, West finished in second place in the Most Improved Player Award. After it finally looked like West was getting the recognition he was deserved and he was voted an All-Star (as a reserve), a devastating injury occurred With 22.4 ticks on the clock in the last game of the season, West tore his anterior cruciate ligament and questions rose regarding whether or not West could return successfully After the conclusion of the game, West riskily opted out of his contract and signed a two year deal with the Indiana Pacers. West has unfortunately returned to the role of being one of the league's most underrated players, and was snubbed of an All-Star appearance this season. Still, franchises will look at his two All-Star appearances and his ability to rebound from a career threatening injury and will likely give him a contract that won't make him underpaid (finally he won't be under__)
OJ Mayo
Statline: 15.6 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.6 rpg
The third overall pick in the 2008 draft, coming out of Southern California OJ Mayo put up nearly 20 points a game in his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies. After his minutes lessened and he was relegated to the bench, the Grizzlies and Mayo mutually decided to split, and Mayo signed a one year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Mayo finally had the opportunity that he's been without since his rookie season, and as a number one option Mayo put up similar scoring numbers to that of his rookie season. Since 2011 Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki came back from injury, his scoring numbers had decreased from earlier in the year, but have still improved from his past two seasons with the Grizzlies. Assuming that Mayo opts out of his contract, Mayo could finally sign with a team that is values him and is willing to give him a longer contract than that of which the Mavericks game him last off-season. With Mark Cuban trying to sign Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, look for Mayo to not wait for Cuban to make an offer and sign with a new team.
Nikola Pekovic
Statline: 16.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 0.8 bpg
Despite being picked in the second round, Nikola Pekovic had high expectations from the Minnesota Timberwolves front office. Until last season, Pekovic hadn't been given the minutes to live up to them. In the past two season, not only has Nikola Pekovic shown that he belongs in the league and deserves to be a starter, but he's also shown that he can be one of the toughest players in the league. Pekovic is scrappy, tough, and gritty and makes a living by being a bruiser on the low block. Despite having a wide-range of injuries that have forced Pek to miss a significant amount of playing time, Pekovic should be due a sizeable contract this summer. With a plethora of players that the Wolves will need to resign in the near future, the Wolves won't be able to offer a formidable contract to the 27 year old big-man from Montenegro.
Brandon Jennings
Statline: 17.6 ppg, 6.6 apg, 3.1 rpg
Brandon Jennings may not be the most efficient scorer, but he is a high volume scorer and one of the best scoring point-guards in the league. Paired with Monta Ellis, Jennings has risen to the occasion and helped lead the Bucks to the playoffs for the first time since his rookie year. His assist numbers have improved this season, and he has shown flashes of becoming one of the better passers in the league. With Monta Ellis' contract coming off the books and Jennings' name having been in trade rumors, I don't see the Milwaukee Bucks keeping both Ellis and Jennings, both very
similar players. If the Bucks decide to not match any offers that Jennings gets (he's a restricted free-agent), I could see Jennings signing an offer-sheet with Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks.
Manu Ginobli
Statline: 11.6 ppg, 4.6 apg, 3.4 rpg
Manu Ginobli has been a bit overrated in the scoring department and has shown signs of aging, and the Argentinian has only played in 59 games thus far in the season. Regardless, at 35 years old Ginobli is still a good passer and rebounder, and has great court vision. Ginobli is only averaging 23 minutes a game and has still missed a large chunk of the season due to ailing injuries, so it's not clear how much the shooting-guard has left in the tank, and if his body can handle the daily rigor of an 82 game season (plus the playoffs). Even though his body may be frail, he will still be a hot commodity because he's a future hall of famer, a world champion and a great leader. If the Spurs win the championship, I see Ginobli retiring. If they don't, I see Manu Ginobli sticking with the only NBA franchise that he's ever known, and returning to the San Antonio Spurs on a one year deal.
Tiago Splitter
Statline: 10.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 0.8 bpg
When you search Tiago Splitter on Google, one of the first results is "Tiago Splitter Shirtless." Another one of the first results is "Tiago Splitter Dunked on." Throughout his career with the Spurs Tiago Splitter has been personified as soft and weak. Splitter has done his best to change that perception of him this year, and Splitter has quickly and unexpectedly become a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Splitter offers a near 7 foot big man who has great shooting range, and has shown he can improve with a minutes boost this season. Splitter is great at pick and rolls, and although he has not earned himself a starting spot, he has earned himself a good contract, that I predict will be with the San Antonio Spurs.
Jarrett Jack
Statline: 13.0 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.1 rpg
In his first five years in the NBA coming out of Georgia Tech, Jarrett Jack had been considered a good role player and nothing more. Two seasons later, Jack has completely overhauled that view of him and has transformed that view of him by playing poised and with leadership. Although his points have slightly dipped since joining the Warriors, that can be attributed to a slight dip in minutes. Jarrett Jack should be able to get a long contract due to playing well in back to back seasons. Jack's play this season has him as a dark horse candidate for the sixth man of the year award. Jack's ability to play well as a starter and as a sixth man opens up his opportunities, and with the Warriors' cornerstones set at both of the guard spot, look for Jack to move on from the franchise. If Jarrett Jack plays well in the playoffs, Jarrett Jack will have nearly every GM salivating at the prospect of having Jack play for their franchise.
JJ Redick
Statline: 14.1 ppg 3.8 apg 2.2 rpg
Coming out of Duke, JJ Redick had high expectations and was selected 11th overall. Setting three-point shooting records at a big program like Duke left many thinking that JJ Redick could be a steal in the draft. Until recently, Redick hadn't lived up to expectations. In 50 games with the Orlando Magic, Redick showed that he could score inside as well as beyond the arc, and posted career highs in points. Although his point totals have dipped a tad bit since being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Redick has renowned his game to being a decent passer and rebounder. The 28 year old shooting-guard may be on his way out the door, and could leave for a title contender. Next season, if Redick does in fact go to a contender, he will likely be relegated to the bench. In that role, he could shine and possibly win 6th man of the year.
Jeff Teague
Statline: 14.7 ppg, 7.2 apg, 2.3 rpg
Jeff Teague was platooned behind Joe Johnson in the early stages of his career, but since Johnson's departure Teague has stepped up his game. One of the most underrated players in the league, Teague has quietly become one of the league's better young passing point-guards and has led the Hawks to the playoffs in the "Post Joe Johnson Era." Teague is only 24, and if given a chance to shine could possibly blossom into a top 10 point guard. Teague has more upside than his younger brother Marquis, and could sign a deal with the Atlanta Hawks that will lock up the 6'2 point guard long term.
Kevin Martin
Statline: 14 ppg, 1.4 apg, 2.3 rpg
Perennially underrated, Kevin Martin had to be excited to move to a team that has a large fan base. Many skeptics questioned whether Martin would get lost in the shuffle, and although his scoring numbers are down Martin has held his own thus far with the Thunder. Kevin Martin hasn't filled the hole left by James Harden's departure in the trade, but Martin has done an adequate job of replacing him. Kevin Martin is one of the best shooters in the league, and is making a career-high 43% of his three point attempts. Even though Martin will likely attest his scoring numbers dropping from what was once nearing 25 a game to lowered minutes and less shot opportunities, there is no excuse for his horrid assists numbers. Martin plays with two stars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook so he should have plenty of passing options. Still, Kevin Martin is a great option for a team that needs a shooting guard and one that can shoot, two things an abundance of teams in the NBA need.
~Taylor Jones (Follow Me On Twitter)
