NBA Free Agents 2015: Final Top 50 Big Board
The NBA's crazy season is upon us.
With the draft firmly in the past, the focus now shifts away from the incoming players, moving to highlight the established players who are no longer under contract. There are quite a few of these free agents, ranging from nondescript contributors who spent the 2014-15 season glued to a bench to the best player in the Association.
Teams with money to spend will inevitably pursue the biggest names, while other squads will make moves to clear up more cap space, intending to use the financial flexibility in the very same manner. No organization is entirely content at the beginning of July, since it's always possible to make improvements. Even the defending champions will be looking to bring back some of their players with expired deals while also upgrading certain spots on the bench.
But how do the premier members of the 2015 free-agent class stack up as the rumor mill begins churning?
We're not just interested in how they performed under their last contract. Similarly, the upcoming 2015-16 campaign isn't the sole focus. Instead, we're taking everything into account—age, skill set, production, etc.—and looking at which players will prove to be most valuable during their next contract, however long that could be.
50-46: Joseph, Stoudemire, Bass, Aminu, Brewer
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50. Cory Joseph, PG, Restricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 6.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.2 blocks, 15.5 PER
Though Cory Joseph is sometimes the odd man out when Gregg Popovich shrinks the San Antonio Spurs rotation, that shouldn't be too large a negative, given the overall talent and depth of the perennial Western Conference power. This young point guard—he'll turn 24 in August—has a bright future in the league, thanks to his defensive ability.
During the 2014-15 campaign, the Spurs allowed 103.3 points per 100 possessions when he was on the bench. But when he played, that number dropped to 100.5. This wasn't because he played with defensively oriented teammates; he was just that motivated and able to shut down opposing floor generals.
49. Amar'e Stoudemire, PF/C, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.6 blocks, 20.3 PER
Amar'e Stoudemire is a limited player at this stage of his career. The 32-year-old big man is basically guaranteed to spend some portion of the season in street clothes, and his defense is nonexistent for all intents and purposes.
But he's not devoid of value.
When this former All-Star is on the court, he can rekindle that old magic for short bursts, putting up points in bunches as he rolls to the hoop and finishes plays right around the basket. He averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per 36 minutes in 2014-15, and there's no reason to expect that his 2015-16 per-minute numbers will regress by a significant amount.
48. Brandon Bass, PF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.4 blocks, 16.3 PER
Even though the mid-range game is a dying entity, it behooves teams to roster at least one frontcourt player whose range extends beyond the paint. Brandon Bass doesn't light up the scoreboard from beyond the arc, but he's an adept shooter from those unpopular mid-range zones and can create looks for himself off the dribble.
Bass is by no means a glamorous player. Now in his 30s, he doesn't have much untapped potential left in the tank. But he's a known commodity, and what he brings to the table makes him both unique and valuable.
47. Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 5.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.8 blocks, 14.4 PER
Al-Farouq Aminu helped his stock significantly in the postseason, where he averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.6 blocks during the Dallas Mavericks' first-round exit against the Houston Rockets. Buoyed by three consecutive performances in which he scored at least 14 points, he proved he could provide the occasional offensive spark while showcasing his energy.
Of course, Aminu isn't going to be signed because he can score. It's his defense that is so appealing, and that guarantees he'll end up with yet another spot in a rotation, whether he returns to the Mavs or goes elsewhere. Even if the soon-to-be 25-year-old doesn't live up to the new postseason-created expectations, he'll be a valuable contributor.
Update: Aminu will sign with the Portland Trail Blazers for four years, $30 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
46. Corey Brewer, SG/SF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.2 blocks, 13.9 PER
To succeed, Corey Brewer simply has to be in the right situation. That's true of many players, but particularly so for a swingman who loves leaking out in transition, can't shoot jumpers with any sort of consistency and can't resist ill-advised gambles on the defensive end.
But when Brewer is in the right spot, he's impactful. His slashing keeps defenders honest, even if his jumper doesn't have the same effect. His constant risk-taking on the point-preventing end wreaks havoc against careless ball-handlers, especially when a quality rim-protector is behind him.
Problem is, he'll turn 30 toward the end of the 2015-16 campaign, and much of his game is predicated on athleticism. If he signs a lengthy deal this summer, there's a chance he could decline throughout it and go down as an overpaid benchwarmer at the end.
Update: Brewer will sign with the Houston Rockets for three years, $24 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
45-41: Green, Hill, Wright, Dunleavy, Asik
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45. Gerald Green, SG/SF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 11.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.2 blocks, 15.4 PER
Gerald Green couldn't keep getting big minutes for the Phoenix Suns while he refused to show much effort on the defensive end, but a fresh start would do wonders for him. After all, he still has springs in his legs, and the combination of his athleticism and jump-shooting ability makes him a dangerous multifaceted threat on the wings.
Dunking usually stands as the first image conjured up when Green's name is invoked, but that's a bit misleading. He's been one of the league's better snipers during the last two seasons, excelling as one of just 11 players to take at least five three-point attempts per game and connect at no less than a 38 percent clip.
44. Jordan Hill, PF/C, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 12.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.7 blocks, 16.2 PER
Even if Jordan Hill peaked during the 2014-15 season, that's not necessarily a bad thing. He was asked to fill far too large an offensive role on a Los Angeles Lakers squad devoid of talent and crippled by injuries to the source of all offense (Kobe Bryant). That forced his efficiency levels to drop significantly.
Hill will be 28 years old when the follow-up campaign begins, and he's not suddenly going to break out and become an All-Star. But so long as he remains a steady contributor on the glass, an average defensive presence when surrounded by less porous players and someone who can finish his looks within the paint, he'll still serve as a high-quality rotation big.
43. Brandan Wright, C, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.3 blocks, 20.4 PER
Just like Jordan Hill, Brandan Wright will turn 28 prior to the beginning of the 2015-16 season. Unlike the big man who last played with the Los Angeles Lakers, Wright still has some untapped potential. He's never filled a major role, despite excelling as a per-minute stud for years.
He spent time with the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns last season and had trouble missing shots in each location. Granted, his range is limited, and he's not a go-to option, but it's still rather telling that Wright is consistently served as such a dangerous threat to finish plays right around the basket.
Update: Wright will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies for three years and nearly $18 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
42. Mike Dunleavy, SF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 9.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks, 11.6 PER
Mike Dunleavy's age—he'll turn 35 just prior to the beginning of next season—is ultimately irrelevant. Even if his rebounding ability and defensive skills erode away almost entirely, he'll remain a valuable player in an NBA rotation while he can still stroke in shots from the outside.
There's no reason to doubt that he can do exactly that.
In 2014-15, Dunleavy took 4.2 attempts per game from beyond the arc and connected on 40.7 percent of them. One year earlier, he hit 38 percent while taking an even four per contest. In 2012-13? He also took four attempts during his typical outing and made 42.8 percent of them.
Update: Dunleavy will re-sign with the Chicago Bulls for three years, $14.4 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
41. Omer Asik, C, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 7.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.7 blocks, 15.5 PER
Need a rebounder? Omer Asik can help you fill that void. For years, he's been one of the league's better per-minute glass-crashers, making a significant impact on both the offensive and defensive boards. During the 2014-15 season, the Turkish big man was one of just three qualified players to average at least four offensive and nine defensive rebounds per 36 minutes, joining DeAndre Jordan and Andre Drummond in the exclusive club.
Need a defender? This is Asik's other primary role. The veteran center is capable of anchoring a unit and serving as the primary deterrent right around the basket.
Just don't ask him to do much on offense.
Update: Asik will re-sign with the New Orleans Pelicans for five years, $58 million, per Scott Kushner of the Advocate.
40-36: Shumpert, Koufos, Williams, Smith, Beverley
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40. Iman Shumpert, SG/SF, Restricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.3 blocks, 11.4 PER
There's still enduing hope that this 25-year-old swingman will develop into one of the league's better three-and-D contributors. He already has the defense part of the equation down, showing off his skills throughout his half season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In fact, according to defensive box plus/minus, which measures how a player compared to a league-average defender over the course of 100 possessions, he was more impactful than every other member of the Cavs.
It's the three-point shooting that has lagged behind. After hitting 40.2 percent of his deep looks in 2012-13, Shumpert has failed to prove that was anything but a fluke, and that will need to change for him to justify whatever new contract he signs.
Update: Shumpert will re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers for four years and $40 million, per Basketball Insider's Alex Kennedy.
39. Kosta Koufos, C, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 5.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.8 blocks, 14.2 PER
"Ready for a hot take? Kosta Koufos! This guy is a starting-caliber center who's been forced to play a bit role behind one of the best frontcourts in basketball," Amin Elhassan explained on ESPN.com, calling the Memphis Grizzlies center the best under-the-radar free agent available this summer. "Because his per-game numbers aren't eye-popping, he'll likely get a modest deal somewhere, but he's my pick for best value (along with Patrick Beverley)."
Is Koufos typically a bit underrated? Sure, and he's a starting-caliber center on one of the lesser teams in the NBA. But his per-minute numbers aren't sparkling after he averaged 11.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per 36 minutes during what could be his final season on Beale Street.
38. Mo Williams, PG, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 14.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocks, 15.4 PER
Whoever signs Mo Williams shouldn't expect a repeat of his best game from 2014-15. After all, the offensive point guard had the performance of his life on Jan. 13, dropping an incredible and unexpected 52 points against the Indiana Pacers while he was still playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Obviously, it's unrealistic to hope for another mind-numbing showing like that. But teams can still count on Williams for consistent offensive production; he's capable of creating his own looks and setting up his teammates whenever the opportunity arises. The 32-year-old point guard might not be a glamorous option any longer, but he's still capable of bolstering a backcourt.
37. J.R. Smith, SG/SF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks, 13.6 PER
J.R. Smith may be a mercurial contributor, but it's usually worth living through the negatives to gain access to the positives. Though that wasn't true while he was playing for the New York Knicks, it certainly was during his half-season stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
When fully committed, Smith has all the tools to be a star. He's a ridiculous athlete who is capable of throwing down monstrous dunks that replay over and over on the highlight reels. He's a strong shooter who can knock down looks so tough that many stars wouldn't even dream of taking them. He can even be a plus defender, so long as he's mentally engaged.
But there are going to be lulls in his production, and a team must be willing to accept that.
36. Patrick Beverley, PG, Restricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.4 blocks, 11.3 PER
It's all about defense here.
Patrick Beverley is an underrated spot-up sniper, but his primary assets still come on the point-preventing end. Thanks to his skill set and aggressive mentality, he's willing to hound opposing ball-handlers from one baseline to the other, putting constant pressure on them and hoping to force turnovers at all times.
This Arkansas product might not have the offensive acumen necessary to cement a starting gig during this golden age of point guards, but he's still talented enough to earn minutes in just about any location.
Update: Beverley will re-sign with the Houston Rockets for four years and $25 million, per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
35-31: Williams, Kanter, Johnson, Smith, Afflalo
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35. Lou Williams, PG/SG, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 15.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.1 blocks, 19.9 PER
It may seem a bit strange to see the reigning Sixth Man of the Year all the way down at No. 35, but Lou Williams still has a lot more to prove.
He can score. There's no doubt about that. But what else is he going to do that aids his team, whether that's the Toronto Raptors or some other squad?
Therein lies the million-dollar question. Well, it actually may be worth even more, depending on the size of the contract this combo guard will sign. If he's going to be more than a scoring spark plug, the dollars could come flowing into his coffers.
34. Enes Kanter, C, Restricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 15.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.4 blocks, 20.3 PER
The Lou Williams theory applies here as well, though Enes Kanter is a center, not a combo guard. Whether he was playing for the Utah Jazz or Oklahoma City Thunder, the Turkish big man put up massive offensive numbers, but they didn't totally trump the porosity of his defense.
If he's going to improve on the point-preventing end, he'll be quite the bargain, regardless of where he's playing next. But if he stagnates on that side of the court, it'll be difficult for his scoring ability to mitigate the negative elements of his defensive play.
33. Amir Johnson, PF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 9.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.8 blocks, 15.4 PER
One of the more underrated players in the Association, Amir Johnson could finally get the payday he deserves this offseason. He's coming off a valuable season for the Toronto Raptors, one in which he basically refused to miss the vast majority of his shots—and it's not like he was just finishing right around the basket, either.
Johnson drilled 47.8 percent of his looks from between 16 feet and the three-point arc, and he knocked down 46.7 percent of the attempts from three feet through 10. Granted, those didn't make up a large percentage of his offense, but that's still significant, as defenses can't just leave him alone when he's spotting up.
Update: Johnson will sign with the Boston Celtics for two years and $24 million, per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
32. Josh Smith, PF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.4 blocks, 14.9 PER
Josh Smith remains one of the biggest mysteries on the market, especially because he mixed some standout postseason performances for the Houston Rockets with some lackluster outings. He was unceremoniously waived by the Detroit Pistons early in the year and then settled in as a positive piece for the Rockets later.
None of this makes any sense. Smith is a talented forward who should line up at the 4 as early as possible. He has the shooting stroke necessary to knock down some outside jumpers, but he falls in love with that ability, often to his own detriment.
On the right team, Smith would be a massive steal. On the wrong one, he'd fall completely out of a rotation. The only thing that's certain is that no team will hand this aging forward a contract like the one the Pistons gave him when he was last on the open market.
31. Arron Afflalo, SG/SF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.1 blocks, 10.7 PER
Even though it may seem like Arron Afflalo has been around forever, he'll be just 30 years old on Oct. 15. There's still plenty left in this tank, and he proved what he could do in 2013-14 while filling a featured role for the Orlando Magic.
Don't be fooled by Afflalo's lackluster showing for the Denver Nuggets. He simply wasn't a fit for former head coach Brian Shaw's schemes. But this gym rat can rebound nicely once he chooses his next location, if for no other reason than the combination of his ability to knock down open three-point attempts, post up smaller swingmen and provide a small boost on the defensive end.
Update: Afflalo will sign with the New York Knicks for two years and $16 million, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
30-26: Pierce, West, Rondo, Ginobili, Lopez
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30. Paul Pierce, SF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 11.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks, 15.2 PER
If you only watched highlights of the 2015 postseason, you might think Paul Pierce had turned the clocks back to the mid-2000s. He was drilling plenty of tough shots down the stretch and seemed to save the Washington Wizards on multiple occasions.
However, those shots masked the truth.
The version of this small forward who will play in 2015-16 will look an awful lot like postseason Pierce, just without the unsustainably hot shooting. His defense will decline, as he's unable to conserve energy for both ends of the floor. He'll have to wait for the big moments, because he can't star for even 30 minutes at this point in his career. He's still valuable but only in some situations.
Update: Pierce will sign with the L.A. Clippers for three years and nearly $10.5 million, per Dan Woike of the Orange County Register.
29. David West, PF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, 16.0 PER
Don't be fooled into thinking David West is washed up, even if he posted lackluster numbers in 2014-15 while playing through pain and attempting to carry an Indiana Pacers squad that lost way too many key players. "Washed up" is far from accurate, and this veteran power forward can still provide value in plenty of areas.
Maybe West won't bully defenders with his back-down moves from the left elbow. Maybe he can't showcase quite as much defensive versatility as he once did. He's still a terrific presence in the locker room who can set the tone on the less glamorous end and rain in shots from deep mid-range zones.
28. Rajon Rondo, PG, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 8.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.1 blocks, 13.5 PER
Rajon Rondo was an absolute disaster for the Dallas Mavericks, forcing the offense to take a step backward, playing nonchalant basketball against the Houston Rockets in their first-round playoff series and eventually leaving the team with the battle still in progress. His reputation has been sullied, but let's not forget who this point guard is.
Though he's never regained his old pre-ACL-tear swagger, Rondo is still one of the league's premier distributors. He's an asset on the glass, and his defensive work is excellent when he's actually focused. Even without anything that resembles a consistent jumper, he's capable of making a star-like impact.
Rondo may well be one of this offseason's biggest risk-reward signings.
Update: Rondo will sign with the Sacramento Kings for one year, $10 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
27. Manu Ginobili, SG, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.3 blocks, 16.2 PER
In a one-season setting, Manu Ginobili would be significantly higher up in these rankings. The Argentine 2-guard will be 38 years old at the start of the 2015-16 season, but he's still capable of making a huge offensive impact with his crafty ball-handling and distributing skills.
That said, Ginobili won't be signing a deal that lasts for many years. This could well be his last season in the Association, and it's hard for him to trump the value provided by other players with upcoming contracts that will run for many more campaigns.
26. Brook Lopez, C, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.8 blocks, 22.7 PER
Can Brook Lopez stay healthy?
If he's able to play anything close to a full season, the big man will be one of the better centers in the Association. The 27-year-old is an offensive talent who can consistently serve as a featured option, and his work on the defensive end is improving. Because of his lack of mobility, he'll never be a standout stopper, but the timing of his rotations has gotten better in recent years.
But the original question persists. Thanks to recurring injuries in his lower extremities, Lopez has played over 70 games only twice in the last four years. In 2011-12 and 2013-14, he combined to make just 22 appearances. Even this past season, he suited up 72 times but had to come off the bench for all but 44 of them as he constantly tried to regain his footing.
Update: Lopez will re-sign with the Brooklyn Nets for three years, $60 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
25-21: Young, Chandler, Lopez, Ellis, Thompson
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25. Thaddeus Young, SF/PF, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.3 blocks, 15.7 PER
It's hard to believe that Thaddeus Young only just celebrated his 27th birthday. After all, he's been in the league since his age-19 season for the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2007-08. So while his age means that a decline isn't looming, he's spent enough time in the NBA that there isn't going to be a sudden breakout.
What you see is likely what you get.
Then again, Young could continue to hone his three-point stroke, making himself into a modern stretch 4 rather than a more limited player who thrives almost exclusively when he's running in transition or slashing to the hoop in the half-court set. His finishing ability and constant levels of energy are both valuable, but he does still have the ability to add that one crucial element to his game.
Update: Young will re-sign with the Brooklyn Nets for four years, $50 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
24. Tyson Chandler, C, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 10.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.2 blocks, 20.1 PER
Apparently, the back issues that plagued Tyson Chandler at the end of his New York Knicks tenure are no longer problematic. The big man looked like his vintage self in 2014-15, shooting a remarkable 66.6 percent from the field as he dominated on the glass and protected the rim with aplomb.
Eventually, Chandler is going to take a step back, and it'll likely happen within the confines of the contract he signs this season. He'll turn 33 years old in early October, and veteran centers who rely on their athleticism don't usually age well.
Nonetheless, the front end of his next contract will look quite good. Chandler is still a defensive anchor with a nose for rebounding, even if his All-Star days are now in the past.
Update: Chandler will sign with the Phoenix Suns for four years and $52 million, per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
23. Robin Lopez, C, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.3 steals, 1.4 blocks, 16.2 PER
Will Robin Lopez be as good as Tyson Chandler during the 2014-15 season? Probably not. For perspective, Chandler ranked as the No. 11 center in the league this past year for the Bleacher Report NBA 200, while Lopez checked in at No. 17. The floppy-haired big is a strong pick-and-roll threat who serves as a defensive anchor, but he's not quite as outstanding on the glass.
Nonetheless, Lopez earns the better spot here because he's going to remain quite valuable throughout his entire contract. This center is only 27 years old, so he's right in his athletic prime, not years removed from it, and that can make a significant difference in these rankings.
Update: Lopez will sign with the New York Knicks for four years and $54 million, per Ian Begley of ESPN NY.
22. Monta Ellis, SG, Unrestricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 18.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.3 blocks, 16.5 PER
There's no doubt that Monta Ellis is a valuable offensive player, thanks to his penchant for creating his own looks and his ability to rack up dimes while playing shooting guard. But his inability to connect from the perimeter and his defensive woes don't exactly make him a standout wing in the modern NBA, and those deficits depress his overall stature.
"Monta had some shots that we'll live with," Dirk Nowitzki said near the end of the 2014-15 campaign after a loss to the Phoenix Suns, per ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon. "He's made those pull-up 15-, 16-footers off the screen-and-roll. That's his shot. He's made more than he's missed for us this year."
Considering the 2-guard shot just 41.8 percent on looks from between 10 and 16 feet last season, that's hard to believe. But even if it's true, it underscores the fundamental problem here—pull-up jumpers from mid-range zones aren't en vogue, and those are Ellis' favorite shots.
Update: Ellis will sign with the Indiana Pacers for four years and approximately $44 million, per Chris Broussard of ESPN.
21. Tristan Thompson, PF, Restricted
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 8.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.7 blocks, 15.6 PER
"Tristan [Thompson] should probably be a Cavalier for his whole career," LeBron James told Matt Moore of CBS Sports in late May. "There's no reason why he shouldn't. This guy is 24 years old, he's played in 340-plus straight games, and he's gotten better every single season. It's almost like 'What more can you ask out of a guy?'"
Since then, Thompson has done nothing but prove James prophetic. He improved dramatically during the playoffs, stepping in for an injured Kevin Love and pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers to a new level with his nonstop energy on the offensive glass and ability to finish plays right around the hoop.
The power forward is still too limited on the offensive game to emerge as a true star, but he's only 24 years old. There's time for substantial improvement.
20. Wesley Matthews
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Last Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Position: SG
Age at Start of 2015-16: 29
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 15.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.2 blocks, 16.1 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
If it weren't for his torn Achilles, Wesley Matthews would be a more attractive free agent, elevating his stock up ahead of the next few players on this countdown. But that's a tough injury for anyone to recover from, and this shooting guard is already going to be 29 years old when the 2015-16 season kicks off.
He's simply too risky to be an elite free agent, even if his contributions for the Portland Trail Blazers last season were underrated and overshadowed by the presences of LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard. His defense alone has plenty of value, and his marksmanship only adds to the overall profile.
According to my FATS model (based on historical comparisons and explained in full here), Rip City played like a 48-win team when he was on the floor and a 42.9-win squad when he was on the pine. That may not seem like a huge swing, but it meant that his presence added more wins to the squad than that of anyone else on the roster, save for Aldridge.
Still, the question remains: Is that the Matthews a team will be getting, or will he decline as he rehabs such a devastating injury?
Update: Matthews will sign with the Dallas Mavericks for four years, and a yet-to-be-announced amount, per NBA.com's David Aldridge.
19. Danny Green
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Last Team: San Antonio Spurs
Position: SG/SF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 28
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 11.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks, 16.5 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
If Wesley Matthews were healthy, he'd emerge as the better three-and-D contributor. But since Danny Green will go into the 2015-16 season with nary a doctor's note—barring an unfortunate offseason malady—it's the 28-year-old swingman moving up into the No. 19 slot.
Green has come a long way since he was an undrafted prospect waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers and forced to play abroad before finding a long-term home with the San Antonio Spurs. In particular, he's honed his three-point stroke and is now coming off a season in which he knocked down 41.8 percent of his looks while taking 5.6 per game.
This is no fluke, either:
| 2011-12 | 3.5 | 43.6 |
| 2012-13 | 5.2 | 42.9 |
| 2013-14 | 4.7 | 41.5 |
| 2014-15 | 5.6 | 41.8 |
That's unbelievable consistency, especially since Green isn't just a one-way player. His defense only makes him more attractive, since he can go up against excellent wing players on any given night.
Update: Green will re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs for four years, $45 million, per ESPN.com's Chris Broussard.
18. DeMarre Carroll
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Last Team: Atlanta Hawks
Position: SF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 29
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 12.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.2 blocks, 15.9 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
The playoffs treated DeMarre Carroll rather nicely.
After a regular season in which he was the only typical Atlanta Hawks starter who didn't make the All-Star squad in the Eastern Conference, this veteran swingman caught fire. He scored at least 20 points in six consecutive games, and seven of his 18 career 20-point outings came during the 2015 postseason.
A knee injury kept Carroll from looking so vastly improved for the duration of the Atlanta Hawks' run to the Eastern Conference Finals, but he'd already proved himself. Always a strong defensive presence who was undeterred by even the toughest matchups, the small forward's lights-out shooting from beyond the arc and ability to finish plays around the hoop took him to that next level.
Now, a payday is looming.
That's not bad for a player who looked like a bust up until he arrived in Philips Arena. Even if Carroll doesn't return to Atlanta, choosing to pursue a massive payday or a city with even more appeal, he's shown that he can serve as one of the better players on a highly competitive squad.
Update: Carroll will sign with the Toronto Raptors for four years, $60 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
17. Reggie Jackson
10 of 26
Last Team: Detroit Pistons
Position: PG
Age at Start of 2015-16: 25
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.1 blocks, 17.2 PER
Type of Free Agency: Restricted
If Reggie Jackson can play like he did during the stretch run, he's going to move up the ranks of guards in the NBA quickly. Once he started functioning more like a distributor who could score rather than a scorer who could distribute—that's not merely a difference of semantics—the world opened up for him.
Jackson was impressive almost immediately after the Oklahoma City Thunder shipped him off to the Detroit Pistons, but his last 16 games were incredible. During that portion of the year, he averaged 19.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc.
The inefficient shooting was gone. The need to occasionally hijack possessions and seek out his own shot in a disadvantageous position was gone.
Jackson became the player he's been capable of looking like for years. Now, we get to see if the metamorphosis was a temporary or permanent one.
16. Greg Monroe
11 of 26
Last Team: Detroit Pistons
Position: PF/C
Age at Start of 2015-16: 25
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks, 21.2 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
Greg Monroe won't fit with every single team in the NBA. He's a lumbering big man who doesn't possess much range on his jumper, which makes him thrive most in offenses that will slow down the pace. Plus, his lackluster defensive skills necessitate the presence of a rim protector in the frontcourt—one who can cover up his weaknesses.
But Monroe is still a talented player who can help the right team transition from good to great.
Last offseason, the big man bet on himself, taking the rarely traveled route that involves signing a qualifying offer and playing out a season with a low salary so that he could hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent. The gamble paid off, as Monroe thrived during what could be his final season with the Detroit Pistons.
Showing off his passing ability, work on the glass and touch around the basket, Monroe was a big difference-maker for a Pistons squad that struggled for much of the year. Now, he can capitalize on his nontraditional decision and make the most of his traditional skill set.
Update: Matthews will sign with the Milwaukee Bucks for three years, and $50 million, per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
15. Tobias Harris
12 of 26
Last Team: Orlando Magic
Position: SF/PF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 23
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.5 blocks, 16.7 PER
Type of Free Agency: Restricted
The Orlando Magic can always choose to exercise their rights of first refusal and bring back Tobias Harris, no matter what kind of offer sheet he signs with another team. But the price could rise quite high for this 23-year-old forward, given his untapped potential and well-rounded skill set.
What can't Harris do?
He's merely average on the defensive end, but that could change as he continues to gain experience. Beyond that, he can find open teammates when the ball is in his hands. He can create his own shot or spot up on the perimeter. He can rebound. He can set screens.
Harris isn't superb in any one area, but he's a regular jack of all trades, despite serving as the rare veteran 23-year-old. That's going to make for an appealing package, especially because the first clause of this paragraph is going to change for the better.
Update: Harris will re-sign with the Orlando Magic for four years and $64 million, per Shams Charania of RealGM.com.
14. Brandon Knight
13 of 26
Last Team: Phoenix Suns
Position: PG
Age at Start of 2015-16: 23
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 17.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.2 blocks, 17.1 PER
Type of Free Agency: Restricted
Brandon Knight isn't yet one of the league's elite point guards, but he was a fringe All-Star candidate while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and will only be 23 years old at the start of next season. He's already a strong offensive player who can facilitate and score with comfort, and continuity with a team will serve him well.
This floor general wasn't the same after a midseason deal sent him to the Phoenix Suns. He had to work to gain chemistry with Eric Bledsoe, and succumbing to injuries didn't help that process. But whether he stays in the desert or joins a new team, having an offseason to prepare will allow him to get back to that Brewtown level.
Plus, his three-point shooting is already encouraging.
If we look past his ineffectiveness in Phoenix, Knight was knocking down 40.9 percent of his three-point attempts in Milwaukee while taking 4.9 per game in 2014-15.
He's improving, and marksmanship is a necessary skill for modern point guards in this space-happy version of the NBA.
Update: Knight will re-sign with the Phoenix Suns for five years, $70 million, per Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times.
13. Khris Middleton
14 of 26
Last Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Position: SG/SF/PF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 24
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.1 blocks, 15.6 PER
Type of Free Agency: Restricted
At this point, the world knows what Khris Middleton can do on the offensive end. The Texas A&M product is a terrific shooter from all areas of the half-court set, and he has the athleticism necessary to thrive in transition as well.
But this versatile young player, one who really didn't have a consistent role in head coach Jason Kidd's positionless schemes for the Milwaukee Bucks, is underrated on the defensive end. ESPN.com's Bradford Doolittle dove into that topic while comparing Middleton to Jimmy Butler:
"Middleton doesn't have Butler's rugged build, but he also emerged as a top two-way player, albeit under a dimmer spotlight in Milwaukee than Butler has enjoyed in Chicago. His 2014-15 WARP lags behind Butler's, but he's two years younger, and that WARP (5.3) was roughly what Butler had in his third season (5.1). If Butler's defense was a bit overrated last season, Middleton's was wildly underrated. His defensive RPM (plus-4.08) dwarfed Butler's and led the league among 2-guards.
"
WARP isn't the only acronymous metric that likes Middleton. FATS does as well, since the Bucks played like a 49.1-win squad when he was on the floor and a 31.1-win team when he wasn't. That's a huge difference, and it dwarfed the impact of every other Milwaukee member. Factoring in playing time, he added nearly twice as many wins as anyone else on a playoff squad.
Middleton is no longer a sleeper. He's a star.
Update: Middleton will re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks for five years, $70 million, per Marc Stein of ESPN.
12. Dwyane Wade
15 of 26
Last Team: Miami Heat
Position: SG
Age at Start of 2015-16: 33
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks, 21.4 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
There are no legacy benefits here.
Dwyane Wade will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he's eligible, but he's not the same player he once was. Sure, his per-game numbers look fantastic, but he spends a significant amount of time on the bench to prevent or recover from injuries, and his defensive ability has almost completely dried up, save for a few possessions each outing.
Prior to this past season, the 2-guard had never submitted a DBPM in the negatives. But in 2014-15, Wade earned a minus-1.2 DBPM, indicating that he was worse than an average player on the point-preventing end. Obviously, that's not a good thing, and it's indicative of the hidden decline.
We're picking at nits here, but they're still significant ones. Wade is still an All-Star candidate, but the days of serious All-NBA and MVP contention are behind him.
And even that All-Star form could slip away in the near future, given his advancing age and the physical toll he's endured for more than a decade.
Update: Middleton will re-sign with the Miami Heat for one year, $20 million, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
11. Goran Dragic
16 of 26
Last Team: Miami Heat
Position: PG/SG
Age at Start of 2015-16: 29
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.2 blocks, 17.4 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
Even though a regression from beyond the arc didn't allow for a repeat of Goran Dragic's stunning 2013-14 season, this combo guard remained one of the league's better backcourt players. He's still slithery when he's navigating through a thicket of defenders, and his combination of shot-making ability and efficiency is stunning.
For the second season in a row, Dragic made more shots from the field than he missed while requiring assists on less than 40 percent of his buckets. That's an unreal combination, even if his numbers in 2014-15 couldn't measure up against the efforts of one season prior.
"Any team in the league could feel comfortable entrusting its offense to Dragic," Rob Mahoney wrote for Sports Illustrated while ranking Dragic the No. 2 ball-handler in this free-agent class, behind only Dwyane Wade. "He's not exclusively a run-and-gun guard; Dragic's game would work well in any pick-and-roll-driven system, particularly those with multiple ball-handlers equipped to run such sequences on succession."
For 2015-16 alone, there's a legitimate argument between the two Miami Heat guards, and smart money would be on Wade. But the four extra years of wear and tear Wade has on his tires mean he's a safer bet for a decline before a new contract is up, and that pushes the Slovenian guard just ahead in these rankings.
Update: Dragic will re-sign with the Miami Heat for five years, $90 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
10. Tim Duncan
17 of 26
Last Team: San Antonio Spurs
Position: PF/C
Age at Start of 2015-16: 39 Irrelevant
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.0 blocks, 22.6 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
Back in February, rumors claimed that the 2014-15 season might be the last one for the legendary Tim Duncan. George Karl gave them life on SportsCenter, as relayed by CBS Sports' Royce Young:
"You know over the weekend, that was the whispers that I got. I got a couple of phone calls, one from San Antonio, that said that Tim Duncan's thinking this is going to be his last year. The best, most fundamental big guy ever to play in the NBA, and him leaving would make me very, very sad. The San Antonio Spurs without Tim Duncan would be very difficult for me to watch.
"
If Duncan does return to the San Antonio Spurs—and it is an "if," but only because retirement is an option—it seems almost guaranteed that it would be on a one-year deal. That limits how high he can rise in these rankings, since no one else in the top 10 is so close to hanging up the sneakers. Other players could sign one-year contracts, but they could also justify inking multiyear deals.
Of course, the big man is still unbelievably effective. He anchors the San Antonio defense and provides a steady offensive boost, often elevating his game when the need arises. Even during his age-38 season, he managed to earn the No. 13 spot in the B/R NBA 200, and that was entirely based on his work in 2014-15.
Expecting a significant decline from Duncan would be akin to thinking the moon would suddenly rise instead of the sun one morning.
Update: Tim Duncan has announced he will return to the Spurs next season, but contract details are yet-to-be-announced, per Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News.
9. Paul Millsap
18 of 26
Last Team: Atlanta Hawks
Position: PF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 30
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.9 blocks, 20.0 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
Paul Millsap can do just about everything.
Now a two-time All-Star, the undersized (6'8", 245 lbs) power forward is capable of contributing in just about any portion of the box score. And even then, he can pile up the numbers in plenty of manners.
Need someone to attack on the baseline and make plays right around the basket? Millsap is capable of doing that. Require a frontcourt player to space the court and hit spot-up jumpers? See the previous answer. Want a power forward who can control the rock and use a devastating pump fake that always seems to fool defenders? Again, Millsap is your guy.
At this point in his career, the veteran power forward isn't underrated. He's properly valued, receiving recognition as one of the best players at his position.
Now, he's going to be paid accordingly.
Update: Millsap will re-sign with the Atlanta Hawks for three years, $59 million, per Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune.
8. DeAndre Jordan
19 of 26
Last Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Position: C
Age at Start of 2015-16: 27
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 11.5 points, 15.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.2 blocks, 21.0 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
"No NBA player's true value is more frequently misunderstood than DeAndre Jordan's," Jared Dubin wrote for Bleacher Report while breaking down whether the Los Angeles Clippers big man is worth a max contract. "The unrestricted free-agent center is pegged by many as an elite defender with little to no offensive value, but that assessment ignores many important details."
Jordan is obviously a strong defender, even if he doesn't really deserve to be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation (see Kelly Scaletta's explanation on BBallBreakdown.com for full justification). And while he has virtually zero offensive range, he's a hugely impactful player, if for no other reason than the attention the other team must give to him at all times. If scoring double-digit points and challenging the all-time record for field-goal percentage was easy, others would be doing it.
They aren't.
On top of that, Jordan is the best rebounder in basketball. He's adept on both ends of the floor, using his size and athleticism to make hauling in a missed shot look far easier than it ever should.
No center was better than Jordan during the 2014-15 campaign. And while that might not make him the No. 1 free agent at his position—because of both a limited offensive ceiling and the need to appear in certain schemes—it ensures he won't fall too far down the rankings.
Update: Jordan will sign with the Dallas Mavericks for four years and $80 million, per Brad Turner of LATimes.com.
7. Draymond Green
20 of 26
Last Team: Golden State Warriors
Position: SF/PF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 25
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.3 blocks, 16.4 PER
Type of Free Agency: Restricted
Draymond Green is not a typical max-contract candidate. He doesn't score points in bunches—or stuff any part of the stat sheet, for that matter.
Nonetheless, he should get the biggest deal possible. Not only is he one of the best defenders in basketball, capable of stopping a point guard on one possession and then bodying up as a small-ball center on the next trip down the court, but his versatility on offense is hugely beneficial.
There isn't one number on the above stat line that stands out, but the combination should. After all, how many players managed to average at least 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block during the 2014-15 campaign?
- Draymond Green
- DeMarcus Cousins
Cousins is definitely a max player. We'll leave you to connect the dots.
Update: Green will re-sign with the Golden State Warriors for five years, $85 million, per Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.
6. Kevin Love
21 of 26
Last Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: PF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 27
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.5 blocks, 18.8 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
Kevin Love had a down season, adjusting to the novelty of starting next to both LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. He was no longer the featured option, and it took him a while to figure things out, much in the same way Chris Bosh had an adjustment period when he helped form the Big Three for the Miami Heat in 2010.
All of that sounds negative, but Love still managed to average 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game while shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and posting a player efficiency rating of 18.8. Those are still excellent numbers, even if they're not up to this power forward's typical standards.
Plus, we can't overlook how big of an impact he had on the Cavs' success, even if it was Tristan Thompson who took his minutes during the postseason after Love's unfortunate run-in with Kelly Olynyk. Here are the FATS numbers for each of the players who logged over 1,000 minutes in a Cleveland uniform last season:
| LeBron James | 51.3 | 26.2 | 25.1 |
| Kevin Love | 48.8 | 29.8 | 19 |
| Timofey Mozgov | 54.3 | 42 | 12.3 |
| Kyrie Irving | 49.5 | 38.4 | 11.1 |
| Tristan Thompson | 48 | 44 | 4 |
| J.R. Smith | 51.4 | 55.8 | Minus-4.4 |
| Shawn Marion | 41.1 | 46.6 | Minus-5.5 |
| Matthew Dellavedova | 38.9 | 51.5 | Minus-12.6 |
Love's impact obviously wasn't just a function of playing next to the other stars for the majority of his minutes. The Cavs simply didn't have a way to replace him on a consistent basis, even if Thompson tried his best to change that during the postseason.
A stretch 4 this good isn't easy to find.
Update: Love will re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers for five years, $105 million, per his editorial at the Players Tribune.
5. Jimmy Butler
22 of 26
Last Team: Chicago Bulls
Position: SG/SF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 26
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 21.3 PER
Type of Free Agency: Restricted
The growth Jimmy Butler showed off during this past season was unbelievable. After failing to live up to the massive, premature hype one year earlier, everything clicked for this swingman.
His three-point percentage rose from 28.3 to 37.8 percent. He figured out how to involve his teammates with more consistency while simultaneously decreasing his turnovers. He began to create more of his own shots, both from inside and outside the arc.
Butler has always been a lockdown defender, but now he has the offensive game to go along with his point-preventing prowess, and that should allow him to stick as a star. Maybe even a superstar, given the aesthetic appeal of his game when he bursts to the hoop, shows off his hops and finishes with a thunderous slam.
Though he turns 26 years old in September, it still feels as if this wing player has room for more improvement. As he gains comfort as a No. 1 option, he can become even more involved in the offense and prevent his defense from declining while he spends so much energy producing points.
While flaws in his game persist, there's no doubt a new star has arrived in the Windy City.
Update: Butler will re-sign with the Chicago Bulls for five years, $95 million, per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
4. Kawhi Leonard
23 of 26
Last Team: San Antonio Spurs
Position: SF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 24
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.3 steals, 0.8 blocks, 22.0 PER
Type of Free Agency: Restricted
The only reason Kawhi Leonard trails the next two players in this countdown is the novelty of his celestial status. He could well cement himself as a top-10 player in this league as soon as 2015-16 and then just keep improving. Obviously, that would render this placement rather inaccurate.
But for now, the established track records keep two big men just barely ahead of him.
That possibility, in and of itself, is rather impressive for Leonard, who will be only 24 years old at the start of the next season. He's already won Finals MVP after more than holding his own against a prime LeBron James, and he's now the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. On top of that, he's become the rare player who forces Gregg Popovich to cave and allow someone to play outside the typical confines of the San Antonio Spurs' offensive system.
Honestly, it's hard to tell which is the most impressive accomplishment.
And if that decision isn't hard enough, there are probably more accolades and achievements coming in the future for this small forward, given the scorching start and astronomical rise he's experienced during his still-brief NBA career.
Update: Leonard has agreed to re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs for five years and about $90 million, per Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
3. LaMarcus Aldridge
24 of 26
Last Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Position: PF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 30
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.0 blocks, 22.8 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
Of the top five players in this free-agent class, LaMarcus Aldridge is the first with a legitimate chance of leaving his old team. Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard are both restricted, so the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, respectively, can match any offer sheets they sign.
The Portland Trail Blazers, on the other hand, can't do anything but make a pitch if Aldridge decides he wants to leave Rip City. And they won't be the only ones appealing to the league's best pure power forward.
Aldridge is a game-changing presence, and he still has plenty of prime years left ahead of him. Though his athleticism certainly helps him thrive, his knack for using his high release and knocking down mid-range jumpers ensures that he'll remain a force well into his 30s. Additionally, Portland head coach Terry Stotts helped the big man develop on the defensive end, where he can now hold his own against tough matchups when left alone in the paint.
The soon-to-be 30-year-old is already a four-time All-Star, and the latter number is only going to trend up as the former one does the same.
2. Marc Gasol
25 of 26
Last Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Position: C
Age at Start of 2015-16: 30
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks, 21.7 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
Marc Gasol has long been one of the league's no-stat stars. He doesn't put up gaudy numbers, but he manages to make a huge impact for the Memphis Grizzlies by doing all of the little things. Whether he's setting screens for his teammates, making a pass that leads to an assist, preventing a shot around the basket with a perfectly timed rotation or boxing out someone so a teammate can grab a rebound, he's going to make a difference.
Thing is, he's now also putting up impressive numbers after taking it upon himself to fill more of a scoring role for the Grizz.
Much like Draymond Green, Gasol doesn't stand out in any one column on the box score, but the overall profile is impressive. Only two players in 2014-15 managed to average at least 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 blocks:
- Marc Gasol
- DeMarcus Cousins
Going back even further, just 23 players have ever recorded such a line. That's quite the exclusive group, and Gasol is even more notable because he's continued to do all of those little things that have always made him so special.
Is it any wonder he's such a coveted commodity this offseason?
1. LeBron James
26 of 26
Last Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: SF/PF
Age at Start of 2015-16: 30
2014-15 Per-Game Stats: 25.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks, 25.9 PER
Type of Free Agency: Unrestricted
Raise your hand if you didn't see this one coming.
Now, put your hand down. Clearly, you didn't understand the question or weren't paying enough attention, because there's no reason to expect any free agent but LeBron James to show up in the No. 1 spot. All the players capable of challenging him for the individual throne—Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden and Chris Paul, in no particular order—are still under contract.
"I feel confident because I'm the best player in the world. It's simple," James told reporters after he and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, as relayed by CBS Sports' James Herbert.
He wasn't wrong, and he couldn't help but prove it throughout the losing effort—one in which he should have been named Finals MVP.
There's no other logical choice for this No. 1 spot. As James said in as many words, it's simple.
All stats, unless otherwise indicated, come from Basketball-Reference.com.
Adam Fromal covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter: @fromal09.
