I peeked out of my window at 12:01 am EST just to make sure night hadn’t turned to day, and that LeBron James wasn’t descending from the Heavens with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh floating alongside on fluffy white clouds while strumming harps. As I went to bed, thankful LeBron and company hadn’t ushered in Judgment Day, my only thought was: “Wherever these guys decide to sign, I hope they do it soon.”
As I write this article, we are just about 12 hours into NBA Free Agency 2010, and the rumor and speculation have been rampant since well before then. Frankly, all the talk of super alliances and clandestine meetings is getting a bit nauseating. I guess that’s what happens when all the big-name guys have been sent home early in the playoffs, and are free to plan strategic summits regarding their futures.
LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh, and company stole much of the thunder from those who actually made it to the NBA Finals, and the talking heads seemed content in allowing them to do so. Well, allow me to try and steal some of the thunder back, and show a little love to those free agents who are flying a bit under the radar:
1. David Lee, PF – Has there ever been a less recognized great season in the history of New York sports? I mean, all this guy did was put up 20 and 12 while showing the energy and passion of a role player still fighting to earn minutes. At 26, he might actually be more worthy of a long-term, lucrative deal than Joe Johnson.
2. Rudy Gay, SF – As a restricted free agent, Memphis can match any deal offered to Gay. Earlier in the year, it was unlikely the Grizzlies would challenge any expensive pursuits of Gay, but a strong season has thrown that up in the air. If Memphis chooses not to step up to the plate, the Clippers would appear to be an ideal home.
3. Luis Scola, PF – Like Gay, Scola is a restricted a free agent and Houston can match any offers for the rugged Argentine. Conventional wisdom says the Rockets will do just that. Because of his relentless hustle, you have to remind yourself that Scola is much more than an overachieving energy guy. He has a very good offensive game and without Yao last season, he looked pretty darn impressive as the go to guy for the Rockets in the post.
4. John Salmons, SG – Salmons might have earned himself a nice pay raise with his play after being traded to Milwaukee. He has always been an effective offensive player, but showed he was capable of carrying a team, at times, as a Buck. He would be a very nice piece off the bench for a contender, but may have priced himself out of that market.
5. Brendan Haywood, C – Haywood could end up benefiting from a free agent market full of power forwards and wing types, but lacking in true big men. He is a solid rebounder and defender who could help a contender with issues in the middle. Atlanta Hawks anyone?
6. Raymond Felton, PG – Like Haywood, Felton could find himself benefiting financially from the wealth of power forwards and wings in this FA class. With names like Robinson, Ridnour, Blake and Farmar as the main competition, you know you’re sitting in a good spot.
7. Al Harrington, PF – Harrington has one distinguishable skill, and that is: scoring. Any team lacking frontcourt scoring would be wise to take a look – especially if he can be had at the mid-level exception.
8. Tyrus Thomas, PF – Thomas is another restricted free agent who figures to get a long hard look if his current team (Bobcats) chooses not to lock him up. His defense, athleticism and youth will certainly attract attention around the league this summer. Lack of offense and maturity should still keep the price relatively reasonable though.
9. Mike Miller, SF – This sharp shooter has seen his stock drop recently, but would still be a welcome addition on any contending roster. In addition to being a great shooter, Miller can put the ball on the floor, rebound and pass which gives him an advantage over the other marksmen (J.J. Redick and Kyle Korver) in this class.
10. Shaquille O’Neal, C – Despite falling short of his now infamous “Ring for the King” declaration, O’Neal still remains a more than capable big man in the league. Who do you trust more, a 38 year old Shaq, or the likes of Brad Miller, Zyrdrunas Ilgauskas and Channing Frye?
- By Antwan Leonard
Antwan writes a Fantasy Sports Blog – H2H Fantasy Sports with the latest in Head-to-Head Fantasy Sports news.
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