Annual NBA Free Agency Thoughts: 2019 Kawhi Leonard Edition

Just a couple days into NBA free agency 2019 and not only are almost all of the top free agents already committed, but a large majority of the above average and average free agents are taken as well. This is not good news for teams still looking to revamp their roster. After the busiest opening 24 hours of NBA free agency ever, the updates of players committing has slowed own over the past 24 hours. While many teams have their rosters just about full already, most of the free agents yet to sign will probably have to wait until Kawhi Leonard announces where he is going to be playing next year.

While all the other top 8 free agents this offseason announced where they will be signing for the upcoming year within a day of free agency opening, Kawhi Leonard has been silent. It is expected he will announce where he is going within a few days, but in an offseason where all the other top players have made it known where they are going, the fans, media and franchises are starting to get impatient. Leonard is certainly allowed to take his time though, even if he wants to take a month (although that would be devastating to the franchises still in play for him). Until he makes known his intentions some of the other remaining free agents are going to have to wait to find a new team. As of now there are only a few teams with remaining cap space. The only teams that still have a chance of signing Leonard are the Lakers, Clippers and the place where he just won a championship, Toronto.

The two teams that Leonard decides not to sign with will certainly have issues since they have waited before signing other players while Leonard has remained a possibility. The Lakers will be most effected if they don't get Leonard since they only have a few players on their roster and need to sign the most players. Whoever signs Leonard will jettison up to championship contender level so his signing is big. However, there are other available free agents still who can make at least some impact on their new teams.  Here is a list of the top free agents available still, as of right now.

1. Kawhi Leonard- I've mentioned a lot about the impact he has. Will he choose to return to Toronto where he just won a championship and will have nearly the same roster? Will he head back to Southern California where he grew up and play for the Clippers or Lakers. Will he join the Lakers and create a new super-team with Lebron James and Anthony Davis or join the Clippers who were a playoff team and a superstar away from being championship contenders last year? Signed with LA Clippers
2. DeMarcus Cousins-The mighty have fallen. A couple big injuries have derailed him the past couple seasons and he has turned from better than all-star to hoping for above average starter. Word is that there is not much interest in him from the league and that he might not get much more than the minimum and a one year deal. He should find a team where he can get minutes and prove himself still so next year he can sign a bigger deal. If Lakers miss out on Leonard, that is a top contender to sign him. Signed with LA Lakers
3. Danny Green-Another two time champion, Green has already announced he is waiting to make a decision until Leonard signs. If Leonard returns to Toronto, Green has said he would like to also, but if Leonard doesn't return, Green will likely choose the team that offers him the most money, probably the Dallas Mavericks. Signed with LA Lakers
4. Marcus Morris-It's very likely he is not going back to Boston. If there is any team with money left he will certainly be one of the top targets considering there are not many available players better than he is. Signed with New York Knicks
5. Markieff Morris-He used to be known as the better Morris twin, but with his brother's development over the past few years and his injury last season, he has fallen below his brother. He would still make a good signing for a team looking for a big man off the bench. Signed with Detroit Pistons
6. JaMychal Green-Speaking of big men off the bench, he is one of the better ones and played very well after being traded to the Clippers at the deadline this past season. Clippers are definitely interested in bringing him back. Signed with LA Clippers
7. Kelly Oubre Jr.-After Washington dealt him to the Suns last season, he got a chance to showcase his potential in the league. If any team has money to overpay someone he is one of the most likely candidates at this point, not necessarily because he has proven himself, but because of his potential. Signed with Phoenix Suns
8. Rajon Rondo-He still is a good NBA player and great playmaker and passer. He certainly will not be getting as much money as he did last season though. However he could still return to the Lakers. Signed with LA Lakers
9. Jabari Parker-A couple years ago, he was one of the top young players in the league. He has proven himself to be a capable scorer in the league. However, don't expect him to ever play defense. Signed with Atlanta Hawks
10. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope-After a couple years with the Lakers he has still not proven to be an above average player in the league. He could still be a decent pickup for a team's bench though. Lakers still a possibility (if you noticed the Lakers is still a possibility for many players because they will need to sign at least 5 or 6 more players. Signed with LA Lakers
11. Quinn Cook-It is a possibility the Warriors bring him back to help Shaun Livingston as guards off the bench. If anyone offers him decent money he is likely to take it having now appeared in the past two finals. Signed with LA Lakers
12. Noah Vonleh-Had his best season this past year in New York. He will get a deal somewhere, but not for as much as he is hoping for. If he didn't have a good year last season he would probably be out of the league right now. Signed with Minnesota Timberwolves
13. Wilson Chandler-So many injuries over his career have been tough for him, especially last year on Philadelphia and then the Clippers. He could still be a top bench player on a good team. Signed with Brooklyn Nets
14. TJ McConnell-Is likely moving on from the 76ers, is a plenty capable backup point guard. Signed with Indiana Pacers
15. JaVale McGee-Hopefully someone signs him so we can get another year of highlights. Signed with LA Lakers
16. Jamal Crawford-Still has a year or two left and if a team needs bench scoring he is the perfect guy to sign at this point.
17. Iman Shumpert-Is an above average defender still, and can help a playoff team that needs to lock up their defense still. Perfect 3 and D guy off the bench.
18. Tyus Jones-Has had a couple good years as a backup point guard in Minnesota, could get a chance somewhere else. Signed with Memphis Grizzlies
19. Jeremy Lin-Now that he is a NBA champion, Linsanity needs another year. Possible he returns to Toronto or goes somewhere else to be a 12th man.
20. Vince Carter-He has stated he wants to play another year in the league. Hopefully some team will give him a chance. Possible he returns to Toronto where it all began?

Other Free Agents: Carmelo Anthony, Nene, Kenneth Faried, Ivica Zubac, Lance Stephenson, Tyson Chandler, Joakim Noah, Omri Casspi, Udonis Haslem, Pau Gasol, Luol Deng, Ian Clark, Stanley Johnson, Raymond Felton, and many others!!

Better Late Than Never NBA Free Agent Roundup

With NBA free agency now more than a month in, just about every major free agent has signed a deal. Some had major effects such as Lebron James signing with the Lakers and Paul George resigning with the OKC Thunder. Others you may not have heard about, including Mike Scott signing with the Clippers and Zaza Pachulia signing with the Pistons. However, even though most free agents have found a nice home for the upcoming season, the following have not yet and likely will before opening tip.

1. Rodney Hood- A restricted free agent, his stock dropped a lot after being traded to the Cavaliers. The Cavs are apparently interested in bringing him back though, and he is likely going to have a large role on the team with Lebron gone. Very possible the two sides will settle on a short term contract since Hood now has a good opportunity to prove himself worthy of a bigger one.

2. Jahlil Okafor- A few years ago was one of the top picks in the draft and expected to have a bright future as an NBA all-star. Now; he will be lucky to get a minimum deal somewhere and occupy the last seat on the bench. Very likely will have to go overseas, at least temporarily to get back to the NBA.

3. Richard Jefferson - Has done a gone job of extending his NBA career, but it is likely over for him. Possible for him to find a role as a mentor on a team, but probably should call it a career on his own terms.

4. Jameer Nelson - Another member of the probably should retire club. He has spent the past few seasons on a few different teams as a backup point guard and could still give another year in a similar role. With as few open roster spots as there are now, he could likely retire after an impressive career.

5. Jamal Crawford - He opted out of his deal and might end up regretting it. He definitely wants to continue in the league and there is likely one team out there (probably a playoff team looking for a veteran bench player) that will end up signing him to a short term deal.

6. Nick Young - A newly crowned champion even if was as a member of the Warriors, he is definitely one of the most surprising players still looking for a contract. Will likely get a minimum deal at this point, but at least it will be with an NBA team.

7. David West - Most likely to retire. Coming off of a couple championship years as a Warrior, there isn't much else he can do still and likely isn't much he is still able to do.

8. Joe Johnson - After getting traded midyear and ending up with the Rockets to finish the season, he proved he does not have much in the take. Even though he wants to play another year, it is likely no team gives him a chance to do so. Retirement a big likelihood and not by choice.

9. Mario Chalmers - After winning a couple championships and playing in four straight finals early in his career, he has all but disappeared from the league despite hanging on to a roster spot. Still not too old, but might have to reclaim himself overseas because being in the NBA next season is not a guarantee with him.

10. Dwyane Wade - The only person on this list who could sign as soon as he wants. The Miami Heat have a spot waiting for him, but he is deciding on whether or not he wants to play next season. The Heat are the only team he will play for if he returns, I believe he will come back for one more season.

11. Udonis Haslem - Basically, the same thing as Wade, but the Heat haven't played him much at all over the last couple of seasons so if he came back it would be as the last player on the bench. No other team will likely sign him, so basically its retire or resign and not play for Haslem.

12. Jason Terry - Has extended his career more than most could have thought and even though he wants to play another year, it is doubtful any team gives him the chance to do so. One of the most likely retirement candidates.

13. Aaron Brooks - Has about the same likelihood of being on a team opening night as Chris Rock.

14. Jarret Jack - Has about the same likelihood of being on a team opening night as Aaron Brooks.

15. Corey Brewer - Started for a playoff team this past postseason. Will likely be one of the last signings of the offseason for the minimum.

16. Arron Afflalo - A few years ago he was an above average starter and sixth man. Now he apparently is not worth signing. He is definitely a candidate for the late signing for a small amount and ends up playing a role on a team award though.

17. Ramon Sessions - Hopefully will sign with one of the few teams he has not played for before just so he can get closer to that record. Not definite he finds a roster spot this season though.

18. Ty Lawson - Came back to show he can still do a little bit, so might have earned him a spot on a roster this upcoming season.

19. Carmelo Anthony - He is still technically a free agent. 99% odds he signs with Houston though.

20. There are plenty of other people who played at least one game in the NBA last year and are still unsigned. This last spot will go to Tarik Black who most people probably don't realize played in the postseason with the Houston Rockets last year. Might not get a shot to stay in the NBA, at least short term though.

Annual NBA Free Agent Review

With the top free agents already signed, I have composed a list of free agents still available that are worth taking a look out for teams filling out their rosters. There aren’t many if any still superstar players available to sign, but there are still game changers who can help put a team over the top. Now that Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, reportedly Gordon Hayward, Blake Griffin and others agreeing to new contracts, these players are looking for a team still. 

Derrick Rose- (Knicks) The only former MVP that is still a free agent, Rose tried to reclaim himself in one year in New York, did not come out to be the player he once was though. Still can be a starting point guard in this league though, now that Minnesota and Sacramento have signed point guards his options are limited though.

Dirk Nowitzki- (Mavericks) Dallas declined his option although everyone knows it was just so they could have more salary cap flexibility. Nowitzki isn’t going anywhere except for Dallas to finish off a hall of fame career.

Rudy Gay- (Kings) Gay has already had a lengthy career and should have more to offer as long as he can avoid injury. Teams looking for a starting forward at a reasonable price should look to him. He reportedly was interested in signing with Oklahoma City before they traded for Paul George.

Dion Waiters- (Heat) He is basically J.R. Smith in younger form. Waiters had a good year in Miami and proved he can be a scoring man. Likely to get overpaid by some young team looking to spend money. Hopefully his personality can fit in though, because he can get crazy on the court.

Nerlens Noel- (Mavericks) A restricted free agent, there is a large upside for his career and Dallas will almost certainly bring him back after acquiring him at the trade deadline last year. Now that Dirk is close to retirement the Mavericks might start building around him.

Pau Gasol- (Spurs) Gasol opted out of his contract to help the Spurs with their cap situation. At this point in his career he is a good role player to have, but probably not going to be an all-star again. Very likely that he resigns with San Antonio and could finish his career there.

Danilo Gallinari- (Nuggets) Reportedly has agreed to join the Clippers and will head there on a sign and trade deal that will likely force Jamal Crawford out of LA. Gallinari is a solid player and can be an all-star if he plays to his potential.

Otto Porter Jr.- (Wizards) A restricted free agent, was reportedly going to be signed by the Kings until they agreed with Zach Randolph and George Hill. Since the Wizards did not get Paul George it is definitely possible he returns to DC. Which might be awkward for John Wall.

Rajon Rondo- (Bulls) Is it possible the prime of his career was in the very beginning? Had a decent season and is proving to be more of a team player and guy you would want in a locker room. If a team can get him for cheap, could be a top backup point guard or average starter.

Tony Allen- (Grizzlies) He is still one of the best defenders in the league and a team needing a wing defender could really use him. Probably won’t be back with the Grizzlies. 

Other players who can make an impact………..

Mike Dunleavy- (Hawks) The Hawks released Dunleavy to prove they are in full rebuilding mode so any team that can use an outside shooter could sign him.

Tyreke Evans- (Kings) Has had an up and down career and could still play at a high level if he can avoid injuries that have plagued his career the past few years.

Kelly Olynyk- (Celtics) A big man, probably not going to make a huge impact, but certainly can be a big presence off the bench, especially if you need him to guard Kevin Love…

Jeff Green- (Magic) There used to be a question if Durant or Green would have a better career. That didn’t last very long. Green has become a modest role player at least and won’t be very expensive.

Zaza Pachulia- (Warriors) He was a starter on the championship team, no easy task. However, it is a lot easier when you are playing alongside four of the best players in the league. While Golden State has resigned a bunch of key players already, it does not look likely he will be added to that list.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute- (Clippers) After starting for the Clippers the past couple of years he will likely have to find a new home. An above average defender, but below average on offense.

Nick Young- (Lakers) Surprisingly opted out of his contract, but believes he can get more money. Had a rebound year and despite being a knucklehead can still score the ball. Might sign with Warriors.

Thabo Sefolosha- (Hawks) A key part of the Thunder teams and more recently Hawks teams, but will probably end up somewhere else and show how well he can still play defense.

Javale McGee- (Warriors) After being a laughingstock for a while, he had a nice bounce back year as a backup on the championship team. Could possibly resign with Golden State.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope- (Pistons) A still young player, Detroit sees upside on him and could one day be an all-star. He will likely stay in Detroit.        

Amongst the rest, some people who will definitely get a good look at a roster spot are…….

Patrick Patterson- (Raptors) A good player and a good piece for a winning team to add.

Andre Roberson- (Thunder) The Thunder like him and will likely bring him back if they can still afford him.

Michael Beasley- (Bucks) He is still around and making a name for himself.

David Lee- (Spurs) Can still help out a team, like he proved he could in San Antonio.

Manu Ginobili- (Spurs) Might become an annual question, one more year or retire? Probably should retire before he sinks too low in the manner that Tim Duncan did.

Omri Casspi- (Timberwolves) Had a crazy year last year, but has proven to be a top bench player in the league.

Tiago Splitter- (76ers) Was hurt last year, but it wasn’t too long ago he started on elite Spurs teams.

Raymond Felton- (Clippers) Had a good year backing up CP3 last year, should get a deal somewhere to be a backup point guard again.

Ersan Ilyasova- (Hawks) Can be a good player in the league, his career is far from over.

Deron Williams- (Cavaliers) His career has been a disappointment especially in recent years, and based on his performance in the playoffs, it is clear his career is coming to an end in the near future.

Still a chance….

James Jones- (Cavaliers) The best chance he has of playing in the NBA again next year is coming back to Cleveland once again. How many people realize he has been in 7 straight NBA Finals.

Roy Hibbert- (Nuggets) His career has gone down quickly, not very likely he ever is as good as he was a few years ago again.

James Johnson- (Heat) He is good enough to play in the league and played well in Miami.

Brandon Rush- (Timberwolves) Most people do not realize he is still in the league

Dante Cunningham- (Pelicans) Before signing with New Orleans most teams were scared to sign him, now they probably still are, just for other reasons.

Alex Len- (Suns) A young center, probably won’t be an all-star anytime soon though

Ty Lawson- (Kings) His career took a downfall and he has managed to stabilize it slightly, not gonna be a starter again though.

Brandon Bass- (Clippers) His career isn’t going to last much longer, maybe as a 14^th or 15^th man.

Chris Bosh- (Heat) If he is allowed to play he could be the best free agent remaining although who knows if he can ever play again, let alone be an all-star once more.

Tyler Ennis- (Lakers) Apparently the Lakers are interested in bringing him back.

NBA Free Agency Update and Top Remaining Players

Well just a week into free agency and dozens of signings have taken place. Billions of dollars have been given out and many players have found new teams. A whole group of players who have only known one team have moved on to a difference team so there will be a lot of weirdness when we see them at the beginning of next season. Players like Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Al Horford and Joakim Noah are all joining a different team for the first time. Despite all the signings that have taken place there are still some free agents available for signing, and here are the top ones.

 The Top Remaining Free Agents
1. Lebron James-Still hasn't signed, but 99.99999% chance of returning to Cleveland.
2. Jordan Hill-Talk about the drop off after Lebron, Hill can be a good big man off the bench for any team.
3. JR Smith- Started on the championship team, unfortunately will not likely return due to money constraints and Smith likely wanting a raise. Cleveland's acquisition of Dunleavy ensures that even more.
4. Jared Sullinger- Has done well so far in his career after initial worries, but will Boston bring him back after they signed Al Horford? Maybe. They definitely should.
5. Dion Weiters- First Ibaka leaves, then Durant and sadly Weiters is not far behind. Will sign anywhere he gets a chance, which will likely be a lottery bound team.
6. Norris Cole- People might forget that he did the impossible and made the finals in each of his first four seasons in the league. He is also a decent backup guard.
7. Anderson Varejao- Disappointing with the Warriors, but he used to be good. And like most of the people on this list, former Lebron teammate.
8. Amare Stoudemire- Was good in short doses last season. Is past his prime, but still capable of making a positive impact.
9. David Lee- Went from starter, to impact player to forgotten man over the past two seasons. Maybe looking for a team to give him the opportunity to get back to impact player.
10. Derrick Williams- Still is pretty young and has potential to help out a team.

Other Free Agents Worth Giving A Shot
1. Brandon Bass- One season with the Lakers these days and it is easy to forget all about you.
2. Lance Stephenson- 5th chance is the charm?
3. Raymond Felton- Has had an up and down career. Which type of season will this one be?
4. Josh Smith- Regardless of where he signs it is inevitable he ends up with Houston midway through the season.
5. Jason Terry-He has played longer than anyone could have expected. Does he have one more season left in him?
6. Luis Scola- It is time for him to accept that he is likely becoming a 12th man in the making.
7. Udonis Haslem- Will he resign with Miami even after Wade left? He is getting closer to the end of his career too.
8. JJ Hickson- Anyone who can name every team he has been on gets a medal. Another former Lebron teammate though.
9. Chris Anderson- If he can still scare people he can still play. Maybe join Lebron again?
10. Big Men= Chris Kaman, Kendrick Perkins, Kris Humphries, Tyler Zeller, Tyler Hansbrough, Ryan Hollins. Get your bottom of the bench big men here. Cheap and big. You can't teach height.

NBA Free Agent Preview 2016

NBA FREE AGENTS

Now that the NBA season is officially over the Cavs have taken home the trophy, it is officially free agent season! Even though teams can’t communicate with free agents until July 1 and a few players still haven’t decided whether or not to exercise their option, the free agents are out there. So here is my annual NBA Free agent lists and where they might end up.

The Best Available

1.     Lebron James - Cleveland Cavaliers- After finally bringing the championship to Cleveland Lebron has the ability to opt out of his annual option. While he will almost certainly opt out, it is hard to believe he is going anywhere seeing as he now knows it is possible to win with the Cavs.

2.   Kevin Durant-OKC Thunder- He is the biggest uncertainty out there. No one knows if he will stay in Oklahoma City on a short term deal or leave for other pursuits. The really only likely destinations if he leaves are the Warriors and his hometown Wizards. (signed with warriors)

3.  Dirk Nowitzki- Dallas Mavericks- Dirk has been a Mav his whole career and has taken major discounts to stay in Dallas. But reports now say the Warriors want him if they can’t get Durant so will he leave to pursue another ring? Doubtful.(resigned for 2 more years)

4.      Andre Drummond (R) – Detroit Pistons – He is still very young and became a big time player this past year. He can rebound and also score like a traditional big man. Detroit will likely try to retain him because they wouldn’t be able to replace him easily. Teams like the Lakers might go after him though and create some competition.(resigned big deal)

5.      Bradley Beal (R) – Washington Wizards- Beal hasn’t reached his full potential yet and is still very young. Unless the Wizards are able to bring in a big time free agent, they will likely bring back Beal so he will probably stay in a Wizards uniform.(resigned big deal)

6.      Dwyane Wade- Miami Heat- Wade is a free agent again after completing his one-year deal. He will likely stay with the only team he has known his whole career, but will a chance to win another championship and be with his friends interest him in joining Cleveland? Very possible.(signed with Chicago Bulls)

7.      Rajon Rondo- Sacramento Kings- Rondo had a much better year after a very disappointing one. However, he may already be past his prime, at least off the court he surely is. He almost certainly will be looking for his fourth team in 3 years and could end up almost anywhere.  (signed with Bulls)

8.      Al Horford- Atlanta Hawks- The longtime Hawk big man is going to be looking for a big payday and a good opportunity. He will likely leave Atlanta and could end up in places such as LA, Orlando or even Houston. (signed with Boston Celtics)

9.      Mike Conley- Memphis Grizzlies- The point guard will leave the only NBA team he has known in pursuit of winning and stardom. He is very talented and will likely search for a big market team, the Knicks are known to be interested and other possibilities include Dallas and Sacramento. (resigned biggest deal in NBA history)

10.   Dwight Howard- Houston Rockets- A couple years ago he would have been a lot higher on this list but each year his stock keeps falling. His numbers are down and his reputation as a teammate is not good. He wants out of Houston and could end up in Miami if they can’t retain Hassan Whiteside. (signed with Atlanta Hawks)

Almost At The Top

1.      DeMar DeRozan- Toronto Raptors- DeRozan has taken the Raptors towards the top of the east the last couple of years, but it might be time for him to get out. He could stay but very likely will leave. Teams such as Lakers, Bulls, and many others will be interested. (resigned)

2.      Hassan Whiteside- Miami Heat- He has become an above average starter in this league and is going to make a big amount of money this offseason. Miami wants him back but it is very possible he heads somewhere else, Portland perhaps? (resigned)

3.      Joakim Noah-Chicago Bulls- Noah had an injury plagued season, but has been a constant boom of energy for the Bulls since he was drafted. He will almost certainly leave since Chicago is likely going to start rebuilding and could possible head to Minnesota to reunite with his former head coach. (signed with New York Knicks)

4.      Pau Gasol- Chicago Bulls- Another Bulls big man will be looking for a new team and Gasol could end up in many different places, but wants to be with a contender. Perhaps Cleveland as the third big man? Or Miami? It’s anybody’s guess at this point.(signed with San Antonio Spurs)

5.      Jamal Crawford- LA Clippers- Crawford is coming off his third career 6^th man award and despite being old in NBA years, he still has some years of productivity left. He might stay with the Clippers, or head to another team if offered more money.  (resigned)

  .   Eric Gordon- New Orleans Pelicans- He still has never reached the potential everyone was hoping for when he was the main piece of the Chris Paul trade. He will likely move on as he never wanted to be in New Orleans anyways and will head to a team that will give him a chance to play as a starter.  (signed with Houston Rockets)

7.     Harrison Barnes (R) – Golden State Warriors- He had a disappointing finals performance but still has been getting better each year. The Warriors will likely try to upgrade by trying to get Durant, but if they can’t they will likely bring back Barnes. (signed with Dallas Mavericks since GS got Durant)

8.      Al Jefferson- Charlotte Hornets- The big man has had injury problems, but a lot of talent to offer a team as either a starter or it might be time for him to become a big man off the bench. Either way he can contribute and is partially responsible for Charlotte’s rise.(signed with Indiana)

9.      Luol Deng- After replacing Lebron in Miami the last couple of years, he will likely move on. At this point of his career will be looking for a contender, or perhaps back to Chicago? (signed with LA Lakers)

10.   Deron Williams- Dallas Mavericks- He had a bounce back year but is still injury plagued and past his prime. Still has the chance to be a starting point guard in the league though and will very possibly stay in Dallas.(resigned)

Other Free Agents That Will Help A Team

1.      Jeff Green- LA Clippers- Green came over midseason and played well at times, but is nowhere near where he was thought to be when he first came into the league. He will likely move on to another team could be anywhere.  (signed with Orlando)

2.      Nicolas Batum-Charlotte Hornets- Was a key part of their success last season after being traded in the previous offseason. He will look for a good situation and is a starter that can bring a large skill set. (resigned)

3.      Chandler Parsons-Dallas Mavericks- He has been hurt, but had a couple of good seasons beforehand and could still bring a lot to a team needing a starter without paying the big bucks.(signed with memphis)

4.      Leandro Barbosa- Golden State Warriors- He has been a great backup guard the past couple of seasons for the Warriors and a key part of their bench success. He will probably try to stay with the Warriors, but if not he could be a great backup for another team. (signed with Phoenix Suns)

5.    Bismack Biyambo- Toronto Raptors- The big man made a name for himself in these playoffs and now will likely get a pay raise and an opportunity to play minutes for another team.(signed with Orlando Magic)

6.      Timofy Mozgov- Cleveland Cavaliers- Coming off a championship in which he didn’t have a major role, Mozgov will not be looked at right away. He can be a big man off the bench for a good team though.(signed with LA Lakers)

7.      Wesley Johnson- LA Clippers- Johnson had a good year for the Clippers and will almost certainly get more than the minimum, if the Clippers offer him enough he will likely stay.(resigned)

8.      Roy Hibbert- LA Lakers- Another year another downfall. If he could be what he was like a few years ago he would get the big bucks. But he will probably just disappoint another team.(signed with Charlotte Hornets)

9.      Joe Johnson- Miami Heat- After coming over midseason he really helped the Heat in the second half of the season making it seem he still has room in the tank. Might stay in South Beach.(signed with Utah Jazz)

10.   Evan Turner- Boston Celtics- He was gonna be a superstar. And we will just have to settle on contributor. Could definitely contribute to a team though.(signed with Portland Trail Blazers)

They Can’t Hurt

1.     David Lee- Dallas Mavericks- Came over and couldn’t do much. Still has some talent though.

2.     Gerald Henderson- Portland Trail Blazers- He can start in this league…. On a bad team (that might happen, signed with Philadelphia 76ers)

3.      Matthew Dellavedova (R) – Cleveland Cavaliers- He was a starter in the finals just last year. How he has fallen since then.(signed with Milwaukee Bucks)

4.      Jordan Hill- Indiana Pacers- He is a quality big man that is better when he comes off the bench.

5.      Josh Smith- Houston Rockets- Went back to Houston and he has a problem.

6.      Aaron Afflalo- New York Knicks- Has his times and then he doesn’t. If he comes cheap then why not? (signed with Sacramento Kings)

7.      Ish Smith-Philadelphia 76ers- Was seen as a hero for coming to Philadelphia and helping them win about 5 games. (signed with Detroit Pistons)

8.      Dion Weiters- OKC Thunder- Is a quality bench player, but tough to handle as a player.

9.      David West-San Antonio Spurs- Will he take another pay cut and return to the Spurs? (took another pay cut and went to the Golden State Warriors)

10.   Kent Bazemore- Atlanta Hawks- He has gone from fringe to starter. Don’t know if that will continue though.

Bye Bye Bye

1.     Kobe Bryant- LA Lakers- After a long career it’s over now. Unless he MJ’s.

2.    Tim Duncan- San Antonio Spurs- While there is a chance he will return for yet another season he is getting pretty old and his play is deteriorating. Will probably return for one more year though.

3.    Manu Ginobili- San Antonio Spurs- In the same boat as Duncan, but has been playing worse, he is more likely to retire, but probably won’t. Reports are he signs for one more year then retire

4.    Elton Brand-Philadelphia 76ers- Came midseason to help the clubhouse, but they needed a lot more than that and after a great career it is most likely over.

5.   Richard Jefferson- Cleveland Cavaliers- Announced after winning the other day he will likely retire and it would be harder to go out on top then this way. Had a nice career. (but resigned for 2 years)

6. Nazr Mohammed- OKC Thunder- I think He has been in this section for a few years and somehow keeps coming back. I'm not gonna doubt him making a roster at some point this year anymore.