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*Photo via USA Today
There has been plenty of big news in the NBA since the beginning of the free agency period. With LaMarcus Aldridge solidifying that he’s going to the San Antonio Spurs, there aren’t any big name players left on the market. However, there are a couple potential stars still available as well as a number of glue guys who can fill roles on certain teams.
I’m fully aware that LeBron James, Marc Gasol and Tristan Thompson are all available, but they are not included in this list because they’re most likely re-signing with their current teams.
1̶.̶R̶e̶g̶g̶i̶e̶ ̶J̶a̶c̶k̶s̶o̶n̶
Previous Team: Detroit Pistons
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats (Both Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons): 14.5 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 43.4 % fg, 2.48 ast/tov
Jackson has an adept ability to finish at the rim and he showed in his time with Detroit that he has the potential to be an exceptional distributor (9.2 assists per game with Detroit). He’s not a good three-point shooter (29.9 percent last year), but he’s still young and hopefully that will develop.
I’d be surprised if Detroit doesn’t bring him back seeing how well he played for them last year. Plus, there’s no telling how Brandon Jennings will be after recovering from the Achilles injury.
2. Enes Kanter
Previous Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats (Both Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder): 15.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, 51.9 % fg
He’s not a great rim protector, which is pivotal in the NBA nowadays. Plus, reports are that he’s asking for a great deal of dough, so maybe teams think he’s not worth the money. Those are the only reasons why teams aren’t chomping at the bit to sign this guy.
He’s only 23 years old and averaged 18.7 points and 11 rebounds with the Thunder. He’s worthy of a near max deal if Greg Monroe received one.
3. Jordan Hill
Previous Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats: 12.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.7 blocks, 45.9 % fg
Hill has come a long way since being drafted by the Knicks six years ago. He’s a solid rebounder and inside scorer and has developed into a very respectable mid-range shooter.
He’s not a great shot blocker but any team in need of a starting center will surely give him a look.
4̶.̶D̶a̶v̶i̶d̶ ̶W̶e̶s̶t̶
Previous Team: Indiana Pacers
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats: 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 47 % fg
West still puts up solid numbers, but he’s 34 and isn’t a starting caliber power forward on most teams. He can be a liability against small ball lineups. But, he brings toughness to any team that is interested in his services and he’s a decent shooter from midrange.
5̶.̶B̶r̶a̶n̶d̶o̶n̶ ̶B̶a̶s̶s̶
Previous Team: Boston Celtics
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats: 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 50.4 % fg
Bass’ offensive game is like me trying to hit on girls. It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done. Plus, he’s efficient and more than capable of knocking down a 15-footer.
Like West, he’s rather undersized for the power forward position, which makes him somewhat of a liability against small ball lineups. But, he’s tenacious down low and gives teams a sense of toughness.
6. Josh Smith
Previous Team: Houston Rockets
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats (Both Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets): 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 blocks, 41.9 % fg
Josh Smith has impeccable versatility on offense, but he’s inefficient and absolutely dreadful from deep (28.5 % for his career).
Smith’s biggest issues reside in his inability to play off the ball. He’s really only useful on offense when he’s dominating the ball and orchestrating the offense.
If he were smart he would stay with Houston, but he’s not. I hope he joins the Sacramento Kings circus. Him, DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo and George Karl would be a hoot.
7̶.̶M̶a̶n̶u̶ ̶G̶i̶n̶o̶b̶i̶l̶i̶
Previous Team: San Antonio Spurs
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats: 10.5 points, 4.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 42.6 % fg, 34.5 % 3p
Manu is very old. I remember when he used to rock the greasy, long hair like Severus Snape from Harry Potter. Nevertheless, he’s still capable of having a typical Manu game every now and again.
He’s most likely returning to the Spurs before he rides off into the San Antonio sunset.
8̶.̶C̶o̶r̶y̶ ̶J̶o̶s̶e̶p̶h̶
Previous Team: San Antonio Spurs
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats: 6.8 points, 2.4 assists, 50.4 % fg, 36.4 % 3p
I don’t understand why Joseph hasn’t been in the rumor mill more. He’s a ruthless on-ball defender; so ruthless in fact, they call him “Cujo” because he foams at the mouth while playing (just kidding).
Though his numbers aren’t jaw dropping, he only averaged 18 minutes a game this year. He’s the best backup point guard available and he has championship experience to boot.
9. Matthew Dellavedova
Previous Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats: 4.8 points, 3.0 assists, 36 % fg, 40.7 % 3p
Matthew Dellav-whatever-his-last-name-is, rose to prominence in the NBA Finals when his defense on Steph Curry seemed to somewhat stifle the league MVP, but I think that was more of Curry missing the shots he normally makes.
In reality, Matthew is a solid defender, but not elite enough to shut down All-Star Point Gods. His three-point percentage is very solid, but he has a tendency to make poor decisions.
Regardless, he’s relentless and plays with a ton of heart, which I value. Reports are he’s nearing a deal with Cleveland.
10. Dorell Wright
Previous Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Notable 2014-15 Per Game Stats: 4.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 37.9% fg, 38 % 3p
Wright didn’t get much burn with Portland, which is surprising considering he’s only a few years removed from a career year with the Golden State Warriors when he averaged about 16 points a game.
He’s a marksman from deep, as he always hovers around the 40 percent three point shooting benchmark. He’s not a great defender, but his height and length allow him to play multiple positions at both ends of the floor.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/
http://hoopshype.com/2015/06/11/nba-free-agency-2015-the-top-power-forwards-available-this-offseason/
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/7/5/8895385/nba-free-agency-rankings-available-2015