It’s finally near. It’s the first of two major free-agency periods (2016 and 2017) that could change the entire landscape of this league. With the NBA salary-cap rising to $70 million, things are bound to reach new heights for the basketball world. It’s understood that not all free-agents are destined to leave their respective teams, and that my list will draw both positive and negative attention. But this is all opinionated, and I’m open to hear suggestions. I have decided it’s best that there should be two parts to this segment. Because for every prediction comes with a full, detailed description (or reason).
So why are we wasting time? Let’s dive right into it.
20. Evan Turner – Boston Celtics
Things are really about to get vivid in Boston, and that only means big things for the franchise. From the moment they make their selection (third pick) in the 2016 draft, until the final day of the free agency period, every move matters. That might not necessarily be all too good for the former number two overall pick Evan Turner, as the Celtics have a legitimate chance to acquire major talent. If that were to happen, he’d most likely fall out of the rotation, or at least see a huge decline in production. This choice relies on how Turner really feels about the fine line between a starter playing heavy minutes, and a role player contributing when needed.
The way I see it, it just might be too late for Evan Turner to fulfill his draft expectations. He was very capable of becoming a cornerstone piece in Philadelphia (Averaged 17 and 6 in 54 games before he was traded to Indiana in 2014), but he’s still been very serviceable as a backup PG/SG/SF for Boston. I personally think the Celtics could use as much versatility from their bench, and that always breathes into championship aspirations. Turner understands that he wants to be a part of whatever this organization is about to dig up. And it’s definitely something to look forward to.
19. Bismack Biyombo – Dallas Mavericks
What an outstanding performance Biyombo displayed in this year’s playoffs. He was snatching down rebounds and solidified himself as one of the better interior defenders in the game. He’s not out there to score or have a play ran for every night, but whatever he took pride in, or rather motivated him, gave Toronto an identity of grit and determination. As a back-up Center to Jonas Valanciunas, he had no issues in providing for that role. For Bismack to step up in the second round against Miami (especially in Game 7) proves that he’s more than capable of a brighter light. Expect him to get a huge pay-raise this summer. It’s well-deserved, and there’s no doubt he can live up to it. If anything, NBA teams can’t get enough of forceful paint-protectors, and he’s been that throughout his early career.
But could now be the time where the 23 year-old finally makes his everlasting impact in the league? And no, that doesn’t necessarily mean “all-star” caliber. I couldn’t think of a better situation to amplify than the Mavericks, who have been in need of a consistent interior-defender that WASN’T past his prime. Not taking anything away from what Zaza Pachulia was able to accomplish, but pairing him up with Dirk Nowitzki has had all the characteristics of an aging front-court. Not only would Dallas improve their quality rotation at Center, moving Zaza to the bench (Where I believe he’s best suited at this stage) would be ideal for a deep playoff run. Who wouldn’t get excited about an inside-out tandem of Biyombo and Nowitzki?
But of course, it won’t be easy leaving the North. As we know, Jonas is a tough physical player who’s going to find himself in foul-trouble more often than the average Center. It really wouldn’t help their case if Biyombo’s presence were to be absent. I don’t see Toronto going much further than they did this year without him. But from what it seems like, Biyombo wants to be “the man”, and he can’t do that in Toronto.
18. Joakim Noah – Houston Rockets
This would be very interesting, whether Dwight Howard stays or goes. I can for sure say that I don’t have Joakim on my top-five favorite players list, but people cannot forget who he was before all these rambling injuries came in. Unfortunately, these last two seasons have been uncontrollably frustrating for him, not just injury-wise, but also in the locker-room. And whenever that happens, the only proper solution is a change of scenery. Noah played just 27 games under new Chicago head coach Fred Hoiberg, and if he were to only be healthy (as well as the rest of the roster), the Bulls would’ve remained as one of the top seeds, just like last year. They just never found the consistency in their health, and it led to disappointing losses and eventually, a no-go for the playoffs.
Former Bulls coach Tom Thibedeau brought out the very best in these players, compared to what they are now. Did he overplay guys? Absolutely. But without him, the team was uncharacteristically bad in the interior this year. They were allowing guys directly to the lane left-and-right. But as we’ve said, injuries go a long way, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Noah gave the Windy City another shot. But if he WERE to leave, the Houston Rockets would be a fresh start as he exits his prime. If there’s anything that Joakim Noah has over most Centers, including Dwight, is his tenacity, and ability to play physically, and that’s what Houston has lacked. Noah’s on-court charisma will never leave him, and to place himself in Houston’s lineup would immediately make him the heart-and-soul of the team. Pair him with Patrick Beverley? That screams technical-fouls, flagrant-fouls, and ejections, but that’s the nature of the game. I would absolutely love to see it happen.
17. Jordan Clarkson – Los Angeles Lakers
To be sincere about it, I wasn’t able to witness much of Clarkson this year. But I made sure to stay conversant on his production. He steadily improved from his rookie season with his scoring and three-point shooting, but his other percentages and assists took a sudden dip. Overall, he still showed great promise in his game, and should get paid a considerable amount of dough. With the right players around him, not only would it benefit Clarkson, but he’s also going to find ways to get them involved. He’s already developed great chemistry with most of his teammates, such as Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell, and Larry Nance Jr. It should be a really fun group to watch with Kobe Bryant out of the spotlight. And that’s no disrespect to the Great Mamba.
Clarkson will be restricted in July, but teams such as New York and Utah are very interested in him. Los Angeles cannot afford to let go of any of their young core pieces. In reality, it’s their only possible way to lure a big name player. At the same time, Clarkson is a priority for L.A, and to retain him would definitely keep things going for the organization. The Lakers are growing weary, and want to return back to their winning-ways.
16. Luol Deng – Indiana Pacers
Now finishing his 11th season in the league, Deng has shown throughout his career that not only is he versatile, but is also consistent. Sure, he’s not going to be your typical first or second scoring-option that he was in his earliest days, but his versatility and natural leadership are always going to be there.
Luol is a player that makes teams increasingly better. For one, he can do so much with his scoring, passing rebounding. People still don’t give him enough credit for how well he draws charges either. All-in-all, he was able to have much success in Miami, as Erik Spoelstra preached all-season for two key things: Versatility and Pace. It led Deng to have a career-low in turnovers (1.2 a game) and had his highest rebounding season since 2009. Even at 31 years, he draws strong interest among NBA teams. And as free-agency approaches, there’s no reason why the Indiana Pacers shouldn’t chase after the forward this summer.
While young and aggressive, the Pacers have all of the tools to make an even deeper playoff-run next season. And it starts with the re-emergence of superstar Paul George. To think quickly, Deng stepped up at the all-star break once the Heat figured out that Chris Bosh would be out indefinitely, or more so, the rest of the year. It benefited for Luol because he was able to freely play the four — in which he held his own. However, the Heat wouldn’t lose as much as people think if they were to let him walk, because with Justise Winslow and Joe Johnson filling out the three-spot, I doubt that Deng would accept a bench role while he’s still playing outstanding basketball. If he were to move on, Indiana wouldn’t have a problem placing him at the four. He’d fit right in, and would make the Pacers an even faster team.
15. Ryan Anderson – Portland Trailblazers
New Orleans has plenty of figuring out to do this summer. Eric Gordon, Norris Cole, and Anderson all have expiring contracts, and it won’t be easy to bring them back. The Pelicans were flattened-out by injuries this season. And it’s pretty dejecting, because all last summer, this was a team on the rise. Anthony Davis was bound to possibly lead the way with a shot at the Most Valuable Player award, and the Pelicans would be finally have their strongest season yet. If they were to retain these three key-players, or pick up a potential star, they would still be the favorites to take one of the final eight spots in the West.
But onto Anderson, who actually had a decent year health-wise. 66 games is pretty much the norm for such a tough-schedule. But I believe his time may be up in New Orleans. Anthony Davis isn’t strong enough to play the five consistently, and similar to what I said about Luol Deng, he’s too good to accept a bench role. In Portland, the team would only get stronger, as they still made the postseason even with Lamarcus Aldridge leaving last year. For the Trailblazers to add a stretch-four to go along with the feisty three-point threats of Damian Lillard and C.J McCollum, it would really solidify them as a presence in the West. I can already imagine the kind of pick-and-pop artistry Anderson would create for Damian and C.J.
14. Al Jefferson – Charlotte Hornets
As quiet as they come, there hasn’t been much rumor or interest for Big Al. And from what we’ve seen this season should have plenty of us worried. Sadly enough, this could be the start of a major decline for the 6’10” 289 lb brute. Jefferson is becoming a lost art in today’s NBA, and it’s not entirely his fault. Due to him playing in just 47 game (only 18 starts), we were growing accustomed to see them propel themselves with a faster pace. And a big effect to that, was adding a younger and quicker Cody Zeller at Center. Many will laugh when I say this, but it’s looking like Zeller is more valuable to the team than Al is.
So my question stands: Is Al Jefferson the true “odd-man out” in Charlotte? Even if they were to lose him this summer, they would immdiately have their sights set on potential options such as Dwight or Horford. And also, there are still a handful of teams that could use Al’s scoring. I think of Dallas, New Orleans, and Indiana as potential options. But ultimately, I think Jefferson is content with this team, and that he can still be an effective cornerstone. Expect Charlotte to bring him back.
13. Nicolas Batum – Charlotte Hornets
It was a nice bounce-back year for Batum, as he eclipsed some career-highs for points and assists. Last year in Portland, he was really lingering due to back and foot injuries. It just wasn’t enough to convince Portland from trading him to Charlotte. Now he’s in a new scene, and hasn’t looked better. Batum will always be an across-the-board threat, and is still a top 10 SF in the league. He’s so calm as a person, and has been a great veteran presence in the locker-room. There’s absolutely no reason for him to leave Charlotte, especially with the untapped potential they possess.
However, I think with him staying might subtract Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s production. Batum can play the two, but is much better off guarding threes and fours. It’s great that he’s versatile, and the Hornets are loving every bit of it.
12. Rajon Rondo – Sacramento Kings
If anyone on here knew me personally, I would go on and on about how I knew Rondo didn’t just “lose” his talent. He’s proved that he’s still one of the elite floor-generals and stat-stuffers in the game. And Sacramento has needed his production.
This past year has been a wild-ride for Rajon. Getting into altercations with coaches and dealing with obnoxious teammates (while being one himself), things could finally be simmering down for him. If there’s anything that the Kings want Rajon for, is to continue building his relationship with star Center Demarcus Cousins. At times, it looked as if they were the best duo in the league — but at other times, they looked like kids fighting for ice cream. I don’t believe neither player truthfully got along with former Head Coach George Karl, and of course, it cost him his job.
With Dave Joeger, who’s as tough as they come, there for sure won’t be any foolishness if Rondo is back next season. And that could go a very long way for the team. If it were to all go down once again, expect some serious moves to finally be made from the front office. But for now, Rondo should realize that there’s a chance to compete in the Western Conference. And if someone were actually to miss him, it would be Willie Cauley-Stein.
11. Chandler Parsons – Dallas Mavericks
There’s just so much to love about Parsons. He’s confident, shady, and skilled. The special bond that he’s had with Mark Cuban and the rest of organization, is something that he wouldn’t dare to leave. Even greater? He’s starting to become an elite executive for pitching players. We were able to see it firsthand with the DeAndre Jordan dilemma.
Dallas has so much to look forward to, and Parsons is going to be a big part of it. If they are to land a big-name agent this summer, you can’t count them out of the playoff-picture.
10. Harrison Barnes – Golden State Warriors
This will be tough for Golden State. Barnes has shown signs that he has star potential in this league, but hasn’t been fully comfortable with being the 4th option on this team. He’s improved as a shooter, and has contributed when needed. The teams that I think should have the most interests are the Clippers, Grizzlies, Suns, Nets, and Pelicans.
While it’s a good 99% chance that the Warriors will match any offer, they’re also interested in the chase for Kevin Durant. Many will say that it’s unlikely to happen, but as great as Golden State has become, who wouldn’t want to be a part of an upcoming dynasty? Is Harrison Barnes worth the money to keep the train rolling? See you next time, on the Free Agent Stories.
PART II (#10-1) will be out in a few days. Stay tuned.
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