Post by Minnesota Timberwolves on Aug 13, 2009 17:41:49 GMT -5
This years free agency is rather strong, but not very strong, especially compared to the 2010. The most deep position in this years FA is definitely small forward, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza and Shawn Marion most remarkable of them. Anyway, here's top 10 free agents for this year by each position (Mostly I based on ratings, but not always).
Point Guard - Not very deep, but top free agents are worth spending money for.
1. Jason Kidd (90) - Despite the age, he's still an all-star caliber player.
2. Andre Miller (88) - Again, quite old player, but still very reliable.
3. Mike Bibby (85) - Another aging point guard, but the age isn't always important. Deadly beyond the arc.
4. Eddie House (77) - Not a prototypical point guard, but has great range and can bring spark off the bench.
5. Stephon Marbury (76) - After all the frenzy with the Knicks, his value has decreased a lot. But with the right team, he could make a comeback.
6. CJ Watson (77) - Undrafted player out of Tennessee, who surprised everyone by managing to hold a place in the NBA and even more scoring nearly in double figures on his second year. But can he keep it up?
7. Shaun Livingston (74) - After that freak injury 2 years ago, Shaun is still trying to stay in the league. Avoiding injuries, he could really be somebody. He could be a low risk, high reward player, because he still has tons of talent.
8. Bobby Jackson (76) - Another veteran, probably is looking to join a contender and get a ring.
9. Anthony Carter (72) - Excellent passer, would be a great backup point guard in any team.
10. Juan Dixon (76) - After one good season in 05-06, hasn't done anything special, but still could provide some 3 point shooting off the bench.
Shooting Guard - Not a very good year, if you're looking to get a good shooting guard, but still has some talent.
1. Ben Gordon (87) - One dimensional scorer with not so good D. Would be best as a 6th man.
2. Allen Iverson (87) - Despite all the trouble with him, he could still be worth getting him, he hasn't said his final word yet. If he doesn't pan out, at least he sells tons of jerseys.
3. Anthony Parker (79) - Can hit the 3-ball and play some D. Could be a steal at mid-level type of deal.
4. Von Wafer (75) - Has been in 5 teams over the past 4 years, if you don't count D-League teams. Blossomed in Houston last year and hopes to continue it on the upcoming season.
5. Wally Szczerbiak (79) - Had the chance to play aside with LeBron last year, getting free looks behind the 3-point line, which he used quite often. Despite being downside of his career, still shoots over 40% behind the 3-point line.
6. Ronald Murray (79) - Did well last year in Atlanta, actually had a career year at the age of 29. Provides scoring off the bench.
7. Rashard McCants (75) - After having a great season in 07-08, he didn't manage to keep it up and got traded in February. Is looking to get back on track, before it's too late.
8. Shannon Brown (75) - Didn't succeed in Cleveland nor Charlotte, but did make himself a name in Los Angeles.
9. Keith Bogans (79) - Trading to Milwaukee didn't work out for him and now is looking for a new team.
10. Adam Morrison (72) - This could be his final chance to be worthy of the 3th pick, which he was 3 years ago.
Small Forwards - The prize money stands here.
1. Lamar Odom (88) - One of the biggest(if not the biggest) free agents of 09'. Very versatile player.
2. Ron Artest (87) - Defensive specialist, who has some offensive moves as well. Only problem could be his difficult personality.
3. Trevor Ariza (80) - Really opened up his game this season. Excellent perimeter defender and a hardworker, also has constantly improved his offenisve game and a new element was introduced in the 08-09 season - a 3-pointer. In his first 4 years, he only made total of 9 3-balls, but in 08-09 already 61.
4. Shawn Marion (84) - After his tenure in Phoenix, hasn't been the same player, what he used to be. But still one of the best rebounding small forwards in the game.
5. Grant Hill (81) - Took lesser money to join Phoenix 2 years ago. Now is looking to get his final payday.
6. Jamario Moon (78) - Extremely athletic, very fun to watch. Amazes you with his leaping ability.
7. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (78) - Sophmore out of UCLA, great defender, had surprisingly good rookie year.
8. Matt Barnes (76) - Another swingman, who used to play for the Suns, who is looking for a new team.
9. Rodney Carney (73) - Young and up-and-coming swingman, who still has to prove himself.
10. Ime Udoka (75) - His professionalism and defense has earned him a spot in the best league in the world. Those 2 words actually describes the team he played for the past 2 years very well - the Spurs.
Power Forward - Rather deep compared to other positions.
1. Carlos Boozer (91) - Barring injuries, he's still an All-Star. 20-10 is exactly what you except from your starting power forward and he can give it to you. Possibly the best player of this years free agency.
2. Antonio McDyess (82) - Former All-Star is still putting up some nice numbers, close to double-double.
3. Glen Davis (79) - After 2 years with Boston, he's looking for a much better contract, but still unsure whether with Boston or with some other team.
4. Brandon Bass (78) - Has done a solid job backing up Nowitzki for the past 2 years until he was traded to Minnesota earlierl this year. Strangely all 3 teams, which Bass has played for has some blue in their logos and has blue jerserys. So next up another 'blue' team? Maybe Orlando?
5. Leon Powe (76) - Injuries could become a problem for him, if he doesn't take care of himself, but otherwise he still is a great hustler.
6. Drew Gooden (76) - Has been averaging double digits points ever since he joined the league. Given the minutes, he can fill up the stat sheet.
7. Channing Frye (77) - After great rookie year, hasn't fulfilled his potential. Maybe he just needs a right system to play for and can at least be as good as he was in his 1st year.
8. Chris Wilcox (74) - Another decent scoring power forward, after 3 years with Seattle, has been shown some signs of slowing down. He will try to prove me wrong in the upcoming season.
9. Joe Smith (75) - Former No. 1 pick can provide some veteran leadership to any team.
10. Sean May (71) - Conditioning problems has haunted him for the last 2 years. Nevertheless, he's trying to earn a spot a roster for upcoming season and afterwards.
Center - Quite bad year, if your team is lacking players at center.
1. Rasheed Wallace (86) - Great defender, who can shoot 3-pointer surprisingly well for a 6-11 guy. He is nearing a retirement according to himself, but maybe he still has couple of years left in his legs.
2. Chris Andersen (79) - Chris surprised everyone last season, coming off from a suspension, Birdman finished off as 2nd in the league in blocks. Has some serious hops for a white guy.
3. Rasho Nesterovic (76) - If you're a contender and you're looking for a backup center, this guy is your guy at cheap price. Brings veteran leadership.
4. Joel Anthony (71) - Despite his terrible offense, he can be a force in this league(yeah, seriously). He resembles me somewhat of younger poor man's Ben Wallace, not as good rebounder, but even better shot blocker.
5. Aaron Gray (74) - The White Panther is a 7-footer, who can rebound and do some other stuff. Not a standout, but he will have a contract by the end of the off-season.
6. Dikembe Mutumbo (74) - If he choses not to retire, his fingerwagging will be welcomed by any team.
7. Theo Ratliff (74) - Excellent shot blocker on downside of his career.
8. Stromile Swift (72) - He can still put up some flashy dunks. He didn't turn out to be he was excpected to be, instead he is at best a good role player.
9. Jamaal Magloire (70) - He doesn't have much time left in this league, he better uses it wisely (ring?).
10. Jake Voskuhl (70) - Another scrub center, who at best gets SOME playing time. If you're desperate, he's your guy.
Anyway this is it, good bye.
Point Guard - Not very deep, but top free agents are worth spending money for.
1. Jason Kidd (90) - Despite the age, he's still an all-star caliber player.
2. Andre Miller (88) - Again, quite old player, but still very reliable.
3. Mike Bibby (85) - Another aging point guard, but the age isn't always important. Deadly beyond the arc.
4. Eddie House (77) - Not a prototypical point guard, but has great range and can bring spark off the bench.
5. Stephon Marbury (76) - After all the frenzy with the Knicks, his value has decreased a lot. But with the right team, he could make a comeback.
6. CJ Watson (77) - Undrafted player out of Tennessee, who surprised everyone by managing to hold a place in the NBA and even more scoring nearly in double figures on his second year. But can he keep it up?
7. Shaun Livingston (74) - After that freak injury 2 years ago, Shaun is still trying to stay in the league. Avoiding injuries, he could really be somebody. He could be a low risk, high reward player, because he still has tons of talent.
8. Bobby Jackson (76) - Another veteran, probably is looking to join a contender and get a ring.
9. Anthony Carter (72) - Excellent passer, would be a great backup point guard in any team.
10. Juan Dixon (76) - After one good season in 05-06, hasn't done anything special, but still could provide some 3 point shooting off the bench.
Shooting Guard - Not a very good year, if you're looking to get a good shooting guard, but still has some talent.
1. Ben Gordon (87) - One dimensional scorer with not so good D. Would be best as a 6th man.
2. Allen Iverson (87) - Despite all the trouble with him, he could still be worth getting him, he hasn't said his final word yet. If he doesn't pan out, at least he sells tons of jerseys.
3. Anthony Parker (79) - Can hit the 3-ball and play some D. Could be a steal at mid-level type of deal.
4. Von Wafer (75) - Has been in 5 teams over the past 4 years, if you don't count D-League teams. Blossomed in Houston last year and hopes to continue it on the upcoming season.
5. Wally Szczerbiak (79) - Had the chance to play aside with LeBron last year, getting free looks behind the 3-point line, which he used quite often. Despite being downside of his career, still shoots over 40% behind the 3-point line.
6. Ronald Murray (79) - Did well last year in Atlanta, actually had a career year at the age of 29. Provides scoring off the bench.
7. Rashard McCants (75) - After having a great season in 07-08, he didn't manage to keep it up and got traded in February. Is looking to get back on track, before it's too late.
8. Shannon Brown (75) - Didn't succeed in Cleveland nor Charlotte, but did make himself a name in Los Angeles.
9. Keith Bogans (79) - Trading to Milwaukee didn't work out for him and now is looking for a new team.
10. Adam Morrison (72) - This could be his final chance to be worthy of the 3th pick, which he was 3 years ago.
Small Forwards - The prize money stands here.
1. Lamar Odom (88) - One of the biggest(if not the biggest) free agents of 09'. Very versatile player.
2. Ron Artest (87) - Defensive specialist, who has some offensive moves as well. Only problem could be his difficult personality.
3. Trevor Ariza (80) - Really opened up his game this season. Excellent perimeter defender and a hardworker, also has constantly improved his offenisve game and a new element was introduced in the 08-09 season - a 3-pointer. In his first 4 years, he only made total of 9 3-balls, but in 08-09 already 61.
4. Shawn Marion (84) - After his tenure in Phoenix, hasn't been the same player, what he used to be. But still one of the best rebounding small forwards in the game.
5. Grant Hill (81) - Took lesser money to join Phoenix 2 years ago. Now is looking to get his final payday.
6. Jamario Moon (78) - Extremely athletic, very fun to watch. Amazes you with his leaping ability.
7. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (78) - Sophmore out of UCLA, great defender, had surprisingly good rookie year.
8. Matt Barnes (76) - Another swingman, who used to play for the Suns, who is looking for a new team.
9. Rodney Carney (73) - Young and up-and-coming swingman, who still has to prove himself.
10. Ime Udoka (75) - His professionalism and defense has earned him a spot in the best league in the world. Those 2 words actually describes the team he played for the past 2 years very well - the Spurs.
Power Forward - Rather deep compared to other positions.
1. Carlos Boozer (91) - Barring injuries, he's still an All-Star. 20-10 is exactly what you except from your starting power forward and he can give it to you. Possibly the best player of this years free agency.
2. Antonio McDyess (82) - Former All-Star is still putting up some nice numbers, close to double-double.
3. Glen Davis (79) - After 2 years with Boston, he's looking for a much better contract, but still unsure whether with Boston or with some other team.
4. Brandon Bass (78) - Has done a solid job backing up Nowitzki for the past 2 years until he was traded to Minnesota earlierl this year. Strangely all 3 teams, which Bass has played for has some blue in their logos and has blue jerserys. So next up another 'blue' team? Maybe Orlando?
5. Leon Powe (76) - Injuries could become a problem for him, if he doesn't take care of himself, but otherwise he still is a great hustler.
6. Drew Gooden (76) - Has been averaging double digits points ever since he joined the league. Given the minutes, he can fill up the stat sheet.
7. Channing Frye (77) - After great rookie year, hasn't fulfilled his potential. Maybe he just needs a right system to play for and can at least be as good as he was in his 1st year.
8. Chris Wilcox (74) - Another decent scoring power forward, after 3 years with Seattle, has been shown some signs of slowing down. He will try to prove me wrong in the upcoming season.
9. Joe Smith (75) - Former No. 1 pick can provide some veteran leadership to any team.
10. Sean May (71) - Conditioning problems has haunted him for the last 2 years. Nevertheless, he's trying to earn a spot a roster for upcoming season and afterwards.
Center - Quite bad year, if your team is lacking players at center.
1. Rasheed Wallace (86) - Great defender, who can shoot 3-pointer surprisingly well for a 6-11 guy. He is nearing a retirement according to himself, but maybe he still has couple of years left in his legs.
2. Chris Andersen (79) - Chris surprised everyone last season, coming off from a suspension, Birdman finished off as 2nd in the league in blocks. Has some serious hops for a white guy.
3. Rasho Nesterovic (76) - If you're a contender and you're looking for a backup center, this guy is your guy at cheap price. Brings veteran leadership.
4. Joel Anthony (71) - Despite his terrible offense, he can be a force in this league(yeah, seriously). He resembles me somewhat of younger poor man's Ben Wallace, not as good rebounder, but even better shot blocker.
5. Aaron Gray (74) - The White Panther is a 7-footer, who can rebound and do some other stuff. Not a standout, but he will have a contract by the end of the off-season.
6. Dikembe Mutumbo (74) - If he choses not to retire, his fingerwagging will be welcomed by any team.
7. Theo Ratliff (74) - Excellent shot blocker on downside of his career.
8. Stromile Swift (72) - He can still put up some flashy dunks. He didn't turn out to be he was excpected to be, instead he is at best a good role player.
9. Jamaal Magloire (70) - He doesn't have much time left in this league, he better uses it wisely (ring?).
10. Jake Voskuhl (70) - Another scrub center, who at best gets SOME playing time. If you're desperate, he's your guy.
Anyway this is it, good bye.
