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LATE in the week, the NBA’s top free agents were either re-signed
by their former teams or offered substantial amounts to lure them
away from their respective home teams. All-Star power forward Elton
Brand has bolted from the Los Angeles Clippers to start anew in
Philadelphia for a reported $82 million over five years. The
Clippers also lost swingman Corey Maggette to the Golden State
Warriors who signed a $50 million five-year deal. With that double
whammy, the Clippers had enough cap space to sign guard Baron Davis
from the Golden State Warriors.
With the “big” names already in long-term
contracts, we can now turn our attention to the best restricted (R)
and unrestricted (U) agents still available. Restricted means the
player’s mother team can match any offer by another team while
unrestricted status allows the player to sign up with any team of
his choosing without any contractual obligations to his former team.
Teams are now scrambling to add a free agent or
two to give them the pieces needed to be more competitive. Here are
the top free agents available in the market as of this writing:
JOSH SMITH (Atlanta-R)—Josh Smith is a
combo forward that gave the Celtics fits in the first round of the
2008 playoffs. He is only 22 and is already averaging 17 points and
8 rebounds. More importantly, he is one of the league’s leading
shot-blockers. Expect Atlanta to keep him unless there is an
outlandish offer for his services.
ANDRE IGUODALA (Philadelphia-R)—This
small forward is a “poor” man’s version of Carmelo Anthony. He
is not expected to be a franchise player but he can surely fill up
the stat sheet. The 76ers will try to keep him so that Brand can
have a potent running partner.
EMEKA OKAFOR (Charlotte-R)—Unlike his
contemporary Dwight Howard, Okafor has blossomed only into a great
defender on the block. The Bobcats will try and keep him and I
expect that they will overpay this young big man (they offered him a
contract extension worth $12 million last summer which he declined).
If I were Charlotte, I’d spend my money on Josh Smith who has more
of an upside.
ANDRIS BIEDRINS (Golden State-R)—Biedrins
is a versatile player that can play three positions. He is also big
and quick enough to guard the likes of Dirk Nowitzki or Lamar Odom.
It is still uncertain whether the Warriors will try to re-sign him
but he will definitely be a valuable addition to any team.
JAMES POSEY (Boston-U)—Posey increased
his value when he played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ 17th title
run. Teams are reportedly wooing this forward who is known for his
great defense and precise three point shooting.
KWAME BROWN (Memphis-U)—The former No.
1 draft pick has seen his fortune continue to fall with his
lackluster performance on the court. Still, Kwame is prized for his
size and strength and is considered a prime back-up at the center or
power-forward slots.
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Please e-mail your comments and suggestions to raffyrledesma@yahoo.com
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