NBA

NBA AM: Quality Free Agents Still In Play

Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Updated15 Oct 2021

Quality free agents remain on the market

The 2015 NBA free agency period has slowed down a bit over the past few days as many franchises have used their allotted salary cap room. However, there’s still a solid bit of talent on the market at each position that could come in and contribute immediately – if given an opportunity.

Let’s take a look at some of the guys waiting for their next deals:

Point Guards Available: Norris Cole, Matthew Dellavedova, Will Bynum, Nick Calathes, Jimmer Fredette, Kirk Hinrich, Andre Miller, Jameer Nelson, Austin Rivers, Donald Sloan, Jason Terry

Point Guard Overview: There aren’t a lot of starting-caliber point guards in the available bunch, but if a team is looking for experienced floor generals then there’s plenty of those guys starting with Hinrich, Miller, Nelson and Terry. Cole is an attractive young option but he’s a restricted free agent so New Orleans can match any offer he receives this summer.

Shooting Guard: Will Barton, Willie Green, John Jenkins, Jason Richardson, Brandon Rush, Alexey Shved, J.R. Smith

Shooting Guard Overview: Smith is clearly the most talented two guard still available on the market, but plenty of teams shy away from the thought of adding him to their locker room dynamic. Richardson is little long in the tooth but managed to make some appearances in Philly last season after a nasty knee injury. Barton showed promise in Denver after a trade netted him the most minutes of his career. Jenkins undoubtedly possesses NBA range, but never found a groove with head coach Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta.

Small Forward: Rasual Butler, Chris Copeland, Gigi Datomi, Landry Fields, Alonzo Gee, James Jones, K.J. McDaniels, Tayshaun Prince, Jeff Taylor, Dorell Wright

Small Forward Overview: There are some solid niche players available on the wing. Wright is perimeter threat who has been known to get hot from three-point range. Copeland showed flashes of brilliance early on last season with Indiana. McDaniels was putting together a solid rookie campaign in Philadelphia before being traded to Houston and becoming glued to the bench. Guys like Butler, Jones and Prince are experienced veterans with plenty of playoff experience between them.

Power Forward: Quincy Acy, Darrell Arthur, Andrea Bargnani, Earl Barron, Michael Beasley, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Glen Davis, Tyler Hansbrough, Jason Maxiell, Josh Smith, Amar’e Stoudemire, Tristan Thompson

Power Forward Overview: There are many guys available at the four spot who are still capable of contributing. Thompson is the name on the list with the highest upside, but Cleveland is working hard on nailing down a new contract for the talented forward. Boozer, Smith and Stoudemire are veteran forwards who have had success at each of their career stops. Smith put together a solid half season in Houston after Detroit waived him despite being owed close to $40 million. Brand could be eyeing retirement while Beasley still hasn’t put all of his talents together into one package.

Center: Cole Aldrich, Joel Freeland, Chuck Hayes, Ryan Hollins, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Seraphin, Henry Sims, Greg Smith, Ekpe Udoh, Jeff Withey

Center Overview: Seraphin, Sims, Smith, Udoh and Withey are young guys still looking to establish their respective resumes in the league. Perkins offers championship experience

These remaining free agents won’t be viewed as franchise saviors, but there’s more than enough talent still left on the board.

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