Top 15 NBA Free Agents: No. 15-11
With Chris Paul officially coming off the market on Monday morning, it’s time to all re-jig our free-agency big boards, so without further ado let’s look at the first pick of the best names left on the free agent market.
15. Nikola Pekovic – Restricted
Although a restricted free-agent and highly unlikely to leave Minnesota, as one of the most intimidating players in the game I was almost fearful to leave him off.
Pekovic brings it every night, with high energy exceptional rebounding and a good amount of scoring (16.3 ppg 2012-13) he’s going to be highly coveted as both a player and a presence In the locker room by every GM and Coach in the league but as stated its unlikely the Timberwolves would allow him to leave.
14. O.J. Mayo – Unrestricted
Mayo claimed he was ‘disrespected’ by the league last summer by the offers he received. So in turn he signed a one-year deal with Dallas, gambled on himself and it paid off. Mayo’s an explosive guard and I’m sure there will be plenty of teams lining up to offer him long-term deals he feels are more in line with his ability.
13. Monta Ellis – Unrestricted
The second Buck to make his way onto the list. There’s a growing fear in Milwaukee that both Ellis and Jennings could be about to quit the Bucks for bigger and better markets. As reported here in yesterday’s NBA Free-Agency Rumours – Ellis is in talks with the Knicks for a potential deal that would see him agree to a deal with a big market ball-club for less money. But what will the Knicks be getting?
Ellis is one of the most incredible finishers around the rim in the league. He’s a nightmare for opposing defenses and is explosive as they come off the dribble. Although Ellis does come with some pretty stand-out flaws, including his below average shooting, limited defending and undersized physique. Ellis could be a real asset for the Knicks or whoever picks him up he agrees to take a sixth-man role.
12. Jeff Teague – Restricted
Another restricted free-agent makes his way onto the list at eleven. Teague led the Atlanta Hawks to a good season, grabbing the sixth-seed in the Eastern Conference. He’s not a spectacular player but he’s as solid as they come and will be a great pick-up for a mid-range team.
At just 24 years old Teague will be in the league for years to come and someone’s going to get a real bargain.
11. Tyreke Evans – Restricted
The former Rookie of the Year has disappeared since he lit the league up during his debut, and has subsequently dropped out of favour with the Sacramento hierarchy. Evans certainely has flaws both on and off the court and the addition of number seven overall pick Ben McLemore will continue to cast a doubt over Evans’ future.
However he’s still a 6-6, 220 lbs. guard who is only 23 years of age with plenty of room to grow. Evans will find a suitor but it may not be the large contract he hopes for and I doubt the Kings will be rushing to match the offer.
