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The NBA's forgotten free agents

Roar Guru
2nd September, 2014
4

Free agency has settled down, but some talent is still waiting to be snapped up. The focus of basketball fans worldwide has now shifted to the FIBA World Cup.

Preparations for the new season are underway, but some players have been forgotten in the clamour of the past few months. The NBA summer was dominated by sensational headlines and even more sensational free agency moves.

Some have opted for shores anew, such as with Pau Gasol moving to Chicago and Chandler Parsons heading to Dallas. Some have chosen to stay where they are, determined to build their legacy at their current team, such as Carmelo Anthony in New York or Chris Bosh in Miami.

And a certain basketball player has returned to their kingdom, determined to bring that elusive championship to their hometown – I don’t think I need to mention the name of that particular person.

A gifted number of role players are still out there on the market, however, as are a large group of players who could make their way into the starting rotation.

Aron Baynes, the Australian big man who played a part in the Spurs championship run back in June, is awaiting to see whether the Spurs choose to offer him a new contract, or whether he might have to go back to Europe to play. He just has to hope he impressed enough in the postseason.

Michael Beasley was unproductive in the playoffs, and with Miami looking to rebuild following the departure of LeBron, they may not want to risk keeping the volatile forward on their roster.

Andray Blatche could be effective if the Nets resign him, although he could be equally productive for such teams as the Hornets, Lakers or Pelicans, who could use his expertise at their four and five positions.

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Jordan Crawford shot his career best from the field in his short stint with the Warriors last season, and will be hoping to find a suitor. Ramon Sessions should get picked up by a team, as should Ekpe Udoh, both dependable role players in their respective positions.

Charlie Villueneva recently turned 30, and if the Pistons don’t decide to re-sign him, he’ll be looking for his fourth NBA team in 10 years. There’s some older players that are unrestricted free agents too, and a number of these have to hope they can get a few more seasons of play before they retire.

Chauncey Billups, now 37 years old, has bounced around a lot of teams in his career, but he’s proven himself reliable over the years, winning a championship ring and Finals MVP with the Pistons in 2004, and being named to five All Star teams, three All-NBA teams and two All-defence teams.

Kenyon Martin, who’s 36 years of age, has shown himself as a good role player, but his presence isn’t needed on the Knicks with Andrea Bargani and Amar’e Stoudemire the clear favourites to start at the forward and centre positions.

Emeka Okafor missed the whole of last season with a herniated disk in his neck, and this may prove to be important when it comes to Phoenix renegotiating a contract with him. His production has dropped off in recent years, but he could still start over such youngsters as Miles Plumlee and Alex Len if he can stay healthy.

Hedo Turkoglu has struggled with injuries, but could come off the bench for a number of teams, and while Jermaine O’Neal has bounced around in his 18 years career, he’s a solid role player and the six time All Star and three time All-NBA selection still has a few years left in him.

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