Published August 03, 2008 12:00 pm - Elton Brand left the market a month ago. So did Baron Davis and Corey Maggette. Even wild-card Ron Artest apparently is accounted for with a new home in Houston.
Chris Beaven, on the NBA: Good players still out there Bargains to be had in free agency
CHRIS BEAVEN Canton Repository
Elton Brand left the market a month ago. So did Baron Davis and Corey Maggette. Even wild-card Ron Artest apparently is accounted for with a new home in Houston.
So who’s left for an NBA team looking to help itself in August? No true superstars are out there. But a few young and talented restricted free agents are seeking deals, and there’s some role players among the unrestricteds who can help.
Here’s a look at the best of what’s left on the market.
The restricteds
This group still has guys who can make an impact. Only problem — their current teams have the right to match any offers and likely will do so. Still, one of these players could get poached.
n Josh Smith, F, Atlanta — The Hawks need to do all they can to keep the ultra-athletic Smith unless a suitable replacement is found in a deal. Having lost Josh Childress to Europe, the Hawks can’t afford to lose Smith and get nothing in return.
n Andre Iguodala, F, Philadelphia — The Sixers made a big move up in the East by acquiring Brand. Losing the talented Iguodala would be a step back.
n Louis Williams, G, Philadelphia — Developed into a key player for the Sixers and they want to keep. Coming to terms on a contract, though, has been another matter.
n Delonte West, G Cleveland — West fit in well with LeBron James but negotiations to keep the point guard around haven’t produced a deal.
n J.R. Smith, G, Denver — High-flying streak shooter has become an important piece for the Nuggets, but how much is he worth?
n Ben Gordon, G, Chicago — He can heat up in a hurry and looked like he would be a fixture with the Bulls until the team’s disastrous 2007-08 season.
The unrestricteds
Get anyone in this group to sign a contract and they are yours, no strings attached. Finding a difference maker, though, probably is a stretch. With three Browns, a Bonzi and a Sam I Am, this collection is a grab bag with no guarantee of finding a prize.
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