NBA Free Agency: Breaking Down the Deals, Part 2

As the days go by, so do the free agent signings. Let’s look at how the latest crop of movers and shakers will affect their teams.

Chucky Atkins—Denver

Atkins can shoot jumpers off screen-rolls, has tremendous range, and, when he's on, puts up points at a blistering pace.

The Nuggets are desperate for perimeter shooting and are hoping that Atkins can fill the void.

Unfortunately, with Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson on the team, there won't be many shots for Atkins—and he doesn't contribute much when the ball isn't in his hands.

Also, Atkins is only 5'11", and is only a slightly better defender than Iverson. The Nuggets can't succeed with two little guys on the floor at the same time.

Anybody is an upgrade over J.R. Smith. Just don't expect Atkins to be a major one.

Matt Carroll—Charlotte

Carroll was a nice shot in the arm for the Bobcats last season as a long-range marksman getting starter minutes. With Gerald Wallace re-signed and Jason Richardson coming in via trade, Carroll can go back to the bench and fill a deadeye niche in Charlotte.

Amir Johnson—Detroit

Johnson has been a Summer and D-League beast. Detroit desperately needs some punch off the bench and if Johnson is as good as advertised, he could pay dividends.

If he isn't, then why did the Pistons bother re-signing him?

Jamaal Magloire—New Jersey

A month ago, New Jersey's starting 2007-08 frontcourt was penciled to be Nenad Krstic and Mikki Moore. Krstic and Moore are essentially the same player—a jump-shooting forward who plays away from the paint. By replacing Moore with Magloire, the Nets get a guy who can score points around the basket and patrol the offensive glass.

Magloire won't pass, won't defend, won't stay in shape, and won't show up against better opponents. Still, his power should nicely complement Krstic's finesse.

Given the high skill level of his teammates and the dearth of strong opponents in the Eastern Conference, the overrated Magloire may turn out to be an underrated pickup.

Darko Milicic—Memphis

When Darko cares, he'll block some shots and score a little bit in the post.

He'll also get lost on rotations, play no defense, be a timid rebounder, and care too much about his own scoring.

When Darko doesn't care (which is far too often), he'll play as if he's simply going through the motions.

The Grizzlies will be Milicic's third team in four years. If he doesn't grow up and work harder in Memphis, this time won't be the charm.

Mikki Moore—Sacramento

Moore can knock down midrange jumpers with regularity and knows how to move without the ball. Unfortunately, he isn't a tough rebounder or an accomplished defender.

Moore will give Mike Bibby some pick-and-roll opportunities, but he'll see his effectiveness greatly diminished without Jason Kidd to get him the ball.

Andres Nocioni—Chicago

Nocioni is clearly a man without a conscience: He's unafraid to battle for rebounds in heavy traffic, dive headfirst for loose balls, drive into crowds of defenders, or launch threes whenever the mood strikes him.

Nocioni is only an average defender and ball-handler, and was remarkably unclutch in the Bulls' playoff loss to Detroit. Still, the No-Man s energy, toughness, and shooting are key X-factors in Chicago.

Morris Peterson—New Orleans

Mo Pete was always a versatile scorer with the Raptors, and gives the Hornets the creative scoring wing they need.

Peterson will be a capable complement to Chris Paul's creativity, David West's post work, and Peja Stojakovic's long-range shooting. A good signing for Charlotte.

Joe Smith—Chicago

Smith is in the twilight of his career, and isn't the post scorer the Bulls need to get to the next level. However, he's still a more accomplished scorer than P.J. Brown, and should have no problems rebounding, setting screens, and defending for Scott Skiles.

If nothing else, Smith is at least more versatile than Malik Allen and Michael Sweetney—making him good insurance for the Bulls.

Gerald Wallace—Charlotte

Wallace is close to becoming one of the best players in the NBA.

His ever-improving jump shot still needs work, as do his free-throw shooting, passing, and handles. But Wallace is one of the league's elite defenders, and boasts incredibly quick hands to go along with a lightning-fast first step.

With Jason Richardson aboard and Raymond Felton and Emeka Okafor still evolving, Wallace looks ready to lead the 'Cats into the postseason.