Finally, after a long offseason, there are reports that the NBA lockout will soon be over after a tentative agreement was reached between the players and owners.
It's time to put everything in the rear-view mirror and look forward to free agency and other offseason moves that we will likely see in the coming month, because there is a slew of talent in the free-agent pool this year.
Here is a breakdown of the top free agents at each position and predictions on where they will land.
Nene (Center, Miami Heat)
The Miami Heat are missing one thing to help them get over the hump as the best team in basketball: a solid center.
The majority of the talent in this free-agent class is at center. That couldn't be better news for Miami.
Nene, Marc Gasol and Tyson Chandler are all possible options for the Heat to target in order to gain production under the basket. At this point it appears that the Heat and the Pacers will be the two teams to chase Nene.
One of these three big names is going to go to Miami. There is no way they will all pass on the chance to be a part of one of the greatest teams ever.
David West (Power Forward, New Jersey Nets)
The Nets need to go out and get some talent around Deron Williams if they plan on keeping him around after this season.
They have plenty of money and cap room to work with. West should be just one of many acquisitions they look to make.
Although there is obvious concern because he's coming off a knee injury, it's still a move that teams will still be willing to make.
Jason Richardson (Shooting Guard, Chicago Bulls)
Let's face it, Derrick Rose can not do it alone.
The young superstar needs some help on the offensive side of the ball, and Richardson can provide that help.
At 30 years old he will likely be overlooked by a bunch of teams, but that shouldn't be a concern. He has averaged 18.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals in his career.
The big number here is his 37 percent shooting beyond the arc in his career. That's something that Chicago desperately needs.
Thaddeus Young (Small Forward, Philadelphia 76ers)
The Philadelphia 76ers are tight on cap space, but they are going to find a way to keep Young on the roster.
There is no way that this 76ers team can let the 23-year-old leak into the free-agent market.
As a restricted free agent, they will get the chance to keep him around, with which they will succeed.
Young is versatile on the court and will only improve with age and experience.
J.J. Barea (Point Guard, Dallas Mavericks)
The point guard position is surely the slimmest in this free-agent market.
In fact, you have to look all the way down to (no pun intended) J.J. Barea before you see a guy that is worth mentioning.
Barea isn't a guy that is going to wow anybody with stats. What he does bring is high energy and the ability to make plays in key situations.
His play was crucial in the championship run for the Mavericks last year.
Barea fits well in Dallas. He has found a role on the team. They will likely try to keep him around if at all possible.
Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis
No comments:
Post a Comment