NBA Help Still Wanted: The 20 Best Remaining Free Agents

With no scarcity of media coverage, the big free agent domino, the King, fell and all the other big pieces followed.

It was exciting stuff, with the Big Three forming an evil empire with Pat Riley, Carlos Boozer giving the Bulls the perfect power forward fit they needed to pair with Derrick Rose, Amar’e Stoudemire reuniting with Mike D’Antoni, and David Lee heading west to put up monster numbers alongside Monta Ellis and Steph Curry.

Then there was also some unexciting stuff, such as Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Dirk Nowitzki, Rudy Gay, and John Salmons all resigning with their squads.

And after LBJ’s “Decision,” we started to see the second-tier talents get gobbled up. We saw deals like Brendan Haywood re-upping in Dallas, and Travis Outlaw profiting from the Nets failure to land a big fish.

But, even though all the biggest names are off the table, don’t turn your attention to Brett Favre just yet.

There remains a long list of impact players without a home.

So for your reading pleasure, here is a list of the 20 best remaining free agents.

It is yet to be seen, though, if LeBron will reopen his recruitment when the media is drooling over his availability.

20) Allen Iverson, Unrestricted

Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Position: Guard
Age: 35
Experience: 14 years

The overview: There’s never a lack of intrigue surrounding good ol’ AI.

It is truly remarkable how quickly Iverson’s career has disintegrated.

Just four short years ago, Iverson put up 26.4 points per game alongside Carmelo Anthony, but with one fateful trade to Detroit, everything came crashing down.

In Detroit, he averaged less than 20 points per game for the first time in his career.

That failure led to the Memphis debacle, which lasted all of three games before almost ending in retirement.

Instead, he returned to Philadelphia, but the homecoming didn’t quite go as planned.

The Answer averaged just 14 points in 25 games before taking a leave of absence, reportedly due to his daughter Messiah’s health issues.

Soon thereafter, Stephen A. Smith wrote that Iverson was drinking and gambling his life away and that his wife was divorcing him.

One of the most accomplished, gritty, and entertaining players of this era, Iverson has tweeted this offseason that he is willing to help a team in any way possible, and also that his family problems have been resolved.

Both pieces of that statement are good to hear as the most important thing for Iverson to successfully contribute is for him to be focused and willing to be a role player.

Best fit: Iverson needs to find a home with a contender lacking a scoring punch of the bench.

He can’t be counted on to play big minutes or carry a team, so finding a home as a reserve with a team like the Heat or Celtics would suit the 35-year-old well.

19) Tracy McGrady, Unrestricted

Team: New York Knicks
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 31
Experience: 13 years

The overview: Like Iverson, McGrady is nowhere near the player he was just four years ago, the last time he surpassed 20 points per game.

And also like AI, the period since those glory days has been tumultuous, in McGrady’s case filled with injury, a messy split with the Rockets, and a forgettable stint with the Knicks.

The most important similarity with The Answer, though, is that McGrady still has something left in the tank if he can put his ego aside.

Just 31, if T-Mac can get healthy, he could give a contending team a big lift off the bench, just not carry it.

Best fit: There is no shortage of places that McGrady could fit in well.

Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, and even New York could all be good destinations for the two-time NBA scoring champ.

18.) Jason Williams, Unrestricted

Team: Orlando Magic
Position: Guard
Age: 34
Experience: 11 years

The overview: Apparently this list works from oldest veterans down, as I’m probably starting to sound like a broken record.

Nevertheless, like the first two free agents, Williams is an aging player that hasn’t exhausted all of his contributions yet.

After retiring for nearly a full year beginning in September 2008, Williams played in all 82 games last season as Jameer Nelson’s backup in Orlando.

Williams has admirably seen his game mature over the years from an all-flash, no substance turnover-waiting-to-happen style, to a more controlled, facilitator type point guard.

Williams could really benefit a team needing a solid, reliable point guard off the bench, or a team that doesn’t need much from its point guard.

Best fit: The word is that Williams could be on his way back to South Beach, where he spent three years from 2005 to 2008.

During that time, Williams reportedly made an impression on Dwayne Wade who is pushing for his return.

If this all comes to fruition, it makes a lot of sense. Williams will command only the veterans’ minimum, and we all know Miami doesn’t have a whole lot of cap room to play with.

Additionally, J-Will should be able to play alongside Run DLC nicely, seeing as he is a veteran point guard who at this point is probably pretty desperate for a ring.

17) Anthony Morrow, Restricted

Team: Golden State Warriors
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 24
Experience: Two years

The overview: Finally some youth on the list!

Morrow is actually a pretty neat story.

Undrafted out of the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2008, Morrow caught on with the Wizards and promptly announced himself with a 15-of-20, 37-point, 11-rebound outing against the Clippers in his first start—the most points ever scored by an undrafted rookie in his first year.

The following summer, Morrow again caught people’s attention with a record 47-point explosion in the NBA Summer League.

In his two years in the League, Morrow has shot better than 45 percent from beyond the arc both times, and proved himself to be a dangerous shooter and explosive scorer, talents which could earn him a decent pay day from a young team looking to develop a player with a high ceiling.

Best fit: Well the best fit discussion kind of is unnecessary here, as we pretty much have it narrowed down to two choices: the Nets and the Warriors.

New Jersey has offered Morrow a three-year, $12-million deal, and the only question is whether the Warriors will match it.

Morrow would be a good fit with the Nets, teaming with Courtney Lee to give the team two dangerous outside gunners.

Plus, the Warriors are not likely to be throwing money around after the David Lee move.

Look for Morrow to end up in New Jersey.

16) Eddie House, Unrestricted

Team: New York Knicks
Position: Guard
Age: 32
Experience: 10 years

The overview: Speaking of explosive scorers, that’s the definition of Eddie House.

House, who once dropped 61 in college at Arizona State, thrived as a Vinnie Johnson-type for the Boston Celtics before being unceremoniously shipped out in exchange for Nate Robinson.

Although House, who happens to be married to Mike Bibby’s sister, didn’t amaze anyone with his play in New York, he remains a prototypical low-minute, high-volume scorer.

Like Iverson or McGrady, House would be a great fit for a contending team seeking solid role players to provide a lift off the bench.

Best fit: Rumors say that House could be on his way back to Boston, which would definitely be his best fit.

House was loved by fans in Beantown, and contributed mightily to the team’s 2008 title run.

House’s return would likely mark the end of Nate Robinson’s tenure in Boston, even though the team said re-signing him would be an offseason priority.

Maybe they can find a way to fit both of them on the roster, but either way, getting House back would be a nice move for the defending Eastern Conference champs.

15) Matt Barnes, Unrestricted (Player option)

Team: Orlando Magic
Position: Guard/forward
Age: 30
Experience: Seven years

The overview: Over the course of the last four seasons—spent in Golden State (two seasons), Phoenix, and Orlando, respectively—Barnes has grown immensely as a player, averaging close to 10 points, and over five rebounds each of the past two years.

But Barnes' value cannot be gleaned solely from his statistics. He really is more of a glue guy.

Barnes is the type of player who will annoy you when he’s defending you, but earn the respect of his teammates when he is the first to step in to protect someone in a skirmish.

Magic GM Otis Smith, when he isn’t ripping on new divisional rival LeBron James, has said the team will not overpay to retain Barnes or shooting guard J.J. Redick, meaning that both could very well be on their way to a new city.

Smith has also said Barnes has been tweeting too much, which isn’t a good sign for a new deal.

Best fit: Who wouldn’t want to end up in Miami with three of the top ten players in the game?

And relatedly, who doesn’t Miami want at this point, considering they have all of four players locked up?

But anyway, it looks like Barnes might not move far, as the Heat have reportedly expressed interest in the UCLA product.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Barnes has also been in contact with the Lakers, Mavericks, Pistons, and Knicks.

Since Barnes isn’t a real offensive threat when forced to create on his own, LA, Dallas, or Miami seem like the ideal landing spots.

14) Ronnie Brewer, Restricted

Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Position: Guard/forward
Age: 25
Experience: Four years

The overview: Brewer had begun to flourish in Utah until they shipped him off to Memphis for a future first-round pick.

His five games in Memphis were a time to forget, but Brewer is still one of the most enticing shooting guards available.

Not likely to develop into a star, Brewer would be a good piece to add to an existing talented cast.

While Brewer isn’t a great shooter from range—his best year was 26 percent—he is gifted with above-average athleticism, allowing him to score in bunches at the rim, as well as excel on defense.

Best fit: Brewer’s best choice might ultimately be to return to Utah, depending on whether or not the team decides to bring back Wesley Matthews, who impressed as a rookie and created the flexibility the team needed to deal Brewer.

If Utah goes another direction, Brewer’s fate could also be influenced by what happens to J.J. Redick, who has received a three-year, $19 million deal with the Bulls (which could give them the best shooting duo in the NBA, along with Kyle Korver).

If Redick goes to the Windy City, Brewer could replace him in Orlando.

13) Brad Miller, Unrestricted

Team: Chicago Bulls
Position: Forward/Center
Age: 34
Experience: 12 years

The overview: As I’ve written before, Miller reminds me in many ways of Kurt Thomas, who continues to pop up and contribute, even as he begins preparation for joining the AARP.

Miller is a guy who could really fit on any team.

While last season was his worst statistically, Miller still managed to post nine points and five rebounds, a feat he can easily duplicate for a few more years at least.

Miller is a tough-nosed player who isn’t scared to bang in the post.

What gives him his versatility, though, is his ability to consistently hit the 15-footer.

Miller would be an ideal role player for a contending team, or a low-cost five on a team looking to fill roster spots.

Best fit: Unsurprisingly, the Heat once again are being mentioned in pursuit of Miller.

Perhaps more than most of the rumors, though, Miller makes almost too much sense in South Beach.

Chris Bosh does not want to play center, and Miller would be the perfect, physical five to combine with Bosh.

He also comes at a low cost, a prerequisite right now for joining the Heat.

If Miami isn’t it, Boston has been rumored to be interested, although I’m not sure how that would work unless the Celtics rid themselves of Rasheed Wallace.

12) Luke Ridnour, Unrestricted

Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Position: Guard
Age: 29
Experience: Seven years

The overview: Ridnour is one of a handful of serviceable point guards available this offseason.

Steve Blake and Raymond Felton (who signed today with the Knicks) are already off the market, but plenty of teams are still in need of a trusty point.

Ridnour did a tremendous job backing up Brandon Jennings in Milwaukee last year, offering some much-needed steady play to balance BJ3’s streaky rookie season.

In fact, although Ridnour didn’t start a game with the Bucks, he played in all 82 and posted career-highs in shooting percentage, three-point shooting, and free throw percentage.

One of the two or three best bets out of free agent point guards, Ridnour demonstrated that he could still start in the NBA if called upon, or definitely work well coming off the bench for 15 to 20 minutes a game.

Best fit: The two teams I’ve heard rumored as possible destinations for Ridnour don’t make a whole lot of sense.

Reportedly, Ridnour has met with the Timberwolves, who already have Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions on their roster, as well as the rights to Ricky Rubio.

It was said earlier that the Knicks (and particularly Amar’e Stoudemire) were interested in Ridnour, but now that they’ve signed Raymond Felton, the Big Apple may be out of the picture.

While Milwaukee or Miami would love to have Ridnour, his price tag may be a bit steep, so basically anywhere that will pay him what he wants and allow him to start at this point would be good for the Oregon alum.

11) Jordan Farmar, Restricted

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Guard
Age: 23
Experience: Four years

The overview: Although Farmar is listed as a restricted free agent, when the Lakers refused to extend the former UCLA star an offer sheet, he became free to sign wherever trips his trigger.

Farmar has said that Phil Jackson’s “triangle” offense constrains an athletic point guard like himself, desiring a more up-tempo, free-flowing scheme.

Now, he has a chance to find it.

Farmar has been an exceedingly sound backup point guard for the defending-champion Lakers, a stint that will likely warrant him a starting spot elsewhere.

It should be fun to see what the 23-year-old can do with more PT and freedom.

Best fit: The team that seems to be emerging as the favorite for Farmar is Indiana, a spot where Farmar could compete with T.J. Ford and A.J. Price for minutes.

If Indiana doesn’t work, Charlotte seems like a great fit for Farmar with Raymond Felton off to New York.

10) Josh Howard, Unrestricted (Team option)

Team: Washington Wizards
Position: Guard/forward
Age: 30
Experience: Seven years

The overview: Okay, for a moment, let’s think back before the ill-advised flag football/national anthem incident, the pot smoking interview, and the messy end to Howard’s time in Dallas (involving the alleged hangover).

Recall that before Howard’s head endangered his game, he was a damn good swingman averaging over 18 a game for three years straight.

And if his departure from Dallas and subsequent knee injury have sharpened his focus at all, there’s no reason to think he cannot return to that levee, as he is only 30.

Although Howard won’t be ready to go at the start of the season, he also won’t be commanding near the $11.8 million he would have been due had the Wizards picked up his option.

If a team is willing to shell out a few million for Howard’s services and give him the space to recover fully, a Josh Howard with a vengeance could be quite dangerous.

Best fit: It might be right back in Washington.

Howard could be a nice, athletic piece to plug in along with John Wall, Gilbert Arenas, and Andray Blatche.

If not, his destination likely depends on who is willing to offer the most money, meaning Miami is actually not an option here.

Perhaps New York or LA would work if Howard would consider coming off the bench.

9) Richard Jefferson, Unrestricted (Early Termination Option)

Team: San Antonio Spurs
Position: Guard/forward
Age: 30
Experience: Nine years

The overview: Jefferson shocked many people when he took his early termination option despite being owed $15.2 million and underperforming last year.

However, Jefferson likely was looking at the potential of a lockout as too much of a risk, opting instead to get some kind of deal this year, and hoping to see a pay bump with improved play down the road.

While Jefferson struggled to fit into San Antonio’s system, we’re still talking about a 30-year-old, athletic swingman with a career average of over 17 points per game.

Only time will tell, but if Jefferson ends up signing for the mid-level exception (roughly $5.7 million), he will certainly regret his decision to opt out.

Best fit: While best fit isn’t really the right phrase for Jefferson returning to San Antonio where he struggled mightily, that is at least the most likely at this point.

Jefferson had probably expected to swoop in and get a free agency loser, like the Nets or Knicks, to throw money at him, but that doesn’t seem to be happening.

If San Antonio offers him $30 million over three years as is being reported, Jefferson should jump at it.

Otherwise, I could also see him ending up in a place like Cleveland, where I hear they need a small forward.

8) Wesley Matthews, Restricted

Team: Utah Jazz
Position: Guard/forward
Age: 23
Experience: One year

The overview: Amazing what defense and hard work can do to your market value, huh?

Undrafted out of Marquette last season, Matthews caught on with the Jazz and earned his way onto the floor with pesky defense, eventually starting 48 games and averaging 9.2 points.

Matthews, who averaged close to 19 a game in his senior year at Marquette, showed in the playoffs that he was more than just a defender, though, when he upped his scoring to over 13 a game.

He may not be an ideal starter in the League until his outside shot becomes more consistent, but his defense and unselfishness make him an alluring candidate for any organization.

Best fit: Once again, best fit may not matter as the Blazers have reportedly offered Matthews a front-loaded five-year, $34 million deal that will pay him $9.2 million in his first year.

Unfortunately for Matthews, signing with Portland would mean coming off the bench as Brandon Roy would be in his way.

However, Utah could still match the Blazers’ offer as they did last year with Paul Millsap.

Either way, it appears Matthews will be staying in the Northwest Division.

7) Nate Robinson, Unrestricted

Team: Boston Celtics
Position: Guard
Age: 26
Experience: Five years

The overview: Everyone’s favorite NBA player under 5'8", Robinson finally got the opportunity to show what he could do in games that matter when he was mercifully sent out of New York to Boston.

And boy did he.

Despite playing minimally in his 26 regular season games and the first two rounds of the playoffs, Robinson made himself invaluable as Rajon Rondo’s backup in the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Magic and the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Supremely athletic, the three-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion can score 15 points falling out of bed, and he would benefit any number of teams as a high-energy backup point guard.

While Robinson would surely like the chance to start, his best fit and best chance to win will likely have him coming off the pine.

Best fit: After a week or two of quiet on the Robinson front, it appears the Bulls have emerged as the most interested suitor for Donkey to Glen “Big Baby” Davis’s Shrek.

Chicago, which has already bolstered its roster by picking up two former Jazz players, Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver, would be an outstanding fit for Robinson, as long as he can find time behind Derrick Rose.

The Bulls could definitely use Robinson’s penchant for scoring in bunches off the bench, but wouldn’t have to rely on Robinson who’s shooting and decision-making can be hit or miss.

6) Tony Allen, Unrestricted

Team: Boston Celtics
Position: Guard
Age: 28
Experience: Six years

The overview: Robinson’s second-team running mate with the Celtics, Allen demonstrated his worth to a team in the Finals when he was able to frustrate Kobe Bryant with his above-average athleticism and strength.

Sure, the former Oklahoma State standout isn’t going to impress anybody with his jump shot (which looks kind of like Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s in “Along Came Polly”), but that isn’t what he is going to get paid for.

What will be his calling card? Just think of his out-of-nowhere block on Pau Gasol and ask yourself if your team could possibly use a hustling player like that.

Best fit: A humble contributor who will bust his ass on “D,” Allen is really a guy every team would be lucky to have, which is why the Celtics appear to be working hard to retain his services.

If Robinson does indeed sign with the Bulls, it should clear the way for the Celtics to make their move, unless another team blows Allen away with a lucrative offer.

If Boston decides to go cheap, look for Allen to show up in Florida with either the Magic or Heat.

Another possibility would be the Lakers, depending on what happens with Shannon Brown.

5) Luis Scola, Restricted

Team: Houston Rockets
Position: Forward
Age: 30
Experience: Three years

The overview: With all the fuss over the big name guys out there, Scola has definitely been lost in the shuffle.

And it’s a shame because all the big Argentinean does is produce.

The scary part is, he’s still improving, too.

Last year, Scola upped his scoring by almost four points to 16.2, while pulling down 8.6 boards a game.

Not afraid to get physical, Scola can be a creative offensive player with better range than one might expect.

In short, Scola is another type of player that could fit anywhere, but particularly any team with a clear need at power forward could resolve their issues by picking up Scola.

Best fit: Although there is no shortage of teams interested, the front-runners at this point appear to be the New Jersey Nets, who could certainly outbid Houston to prevent the Rockets from keeping him.

New Jersey did draft Derrick Favors, who possesses unbelievable upside, but acquiring Scola would allow the team to bring Favors along slowly, as well as take pressure off Brook Lopez.

Otherwise, there is talk that Phoenix could get involved, which would be an ideal fit as Hakim Warrick unfortunately is not an equal replacement for Amar’e Stoudemire.

But with both Warrick and Scola, the Suns could surprise some people next season.

4) Derek Fisher, Unrestricted

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Guard
Age: 35
Experience: 14 years

The overview: Yes, D-Fish is getting up there in years, and he experienced considerable struggles trying to keep up with both Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen in the Finals.

However, along with height, two things you cannot teach in basketball are experience and big shot cajones, and Fisher has both in spades.

Not to mention that the Arkansas-Little Rock product is a first-class character guy and an extremely hard worker.

Never flashy, you know what you’re getting from Fisher—good decisions, solid ball control, a sweet lefty stroke, and unquestionable effort.

Best fit: Without a doubt, Fisher’s best option would be to stay in LA, where he has played all but three of his seasons.

Fisher has been a critical piece to the Lakers success, and is the one guy who can yell at Kobe.

So obviously, his first choice should be to work something out and pursue his second three-peat with the organization.

But the rumor this week is that Fisher may be looking at another star-studded roster with a nice climate—the Miami Heat.

If they can get the financial stuff squared away, the Heat would certainly profit immensely from Fisher’s presence.

He would not have trouble distributing the ball fairly to the Big Three, plus his work ethic and championship resume would earn him immediate respect.

3) J.J. Redick, Restricted

Team: Orlando Magic
Position: Guard
Age: 26
Experience: Four years

The overview: Although Redick’s transition from college superstar to NBA contributor was a little bumpy, he definitely appeared to be figuring it out last season, registering career highs in minutes, points, rebounds, and assists.

Pure shooters like Redick only come around every so often, so lots of teams had their interest piqued when the former Duke star hit the market.

Orlando would love to hang on to him, especially with Matt Barnes probably on his way out, but they have said they will not overextend themselves to retain him.

Best fit: He may already be on his way to his perfect destination—Chicago.

The Bulls have offered Redick a three-year, $19 million deal to team up with Derrick Rose.

The Magic will now have a week to decide whether or not to match the offer sheet before Redick is off to Chi-town.

If the Magic decide not to match, Redick will fit in seamlessly in Chicago, with a team desperate for a quality starting two-guard after ridding itself of Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich in the past two offseasons.

Redick would be able to spot up and benefit from Rose’s considerable penetration abilities, and would team with Kyle Korver to give the Bulls the deadliest outside shooting duo in the NBA.

2) Mike Miller, Unrestricted

Team: Washington Wizards
Position: Guard/forward
Age: 30
Experience: 10 years

The overview: Who would have thought Mike Miller would be one of the most sought after free agents of 2010?

Well, that’s the situation we have.

A versatile offensive player and good shooter, Miller has toiled in Washington, Minnesota, and Memphis for years now and deserves a chance to play in the limelight with a winner.

The only NBA player from South Dakota, Miller would be a perfect role player for a contending team.

Last year, Miller shot over 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range, numbers that, if he can duplicate them, would blend in quite well with a cast of talented players.

Best fit: It’s looking like Miller might just get that opportunity at a winner he has desired.

The rumor is that talks between the Florida alum and the Miami Heat are getting quite serious, with some putting the reported offer at $30 million over five years (don’t ask me to explain how the Heat have that money, because I don’t know).

Let’s hope it works out, though, because Miller would be a great fit off the bench behind Wade and James. Miller could also work well with the Lakers, depending on what happens with…

1) Shannon Brown, Unrestricted (Player option)

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Guard
Age: 24
Experience: Four years

The overview: Brown has arguably more upside than anyone left on the free agent market.

It was always clear that Brown had as much athleticism as anyone in the NBA (a 44.5-inch vertical!), but in his time in LA, Brown has grown as a player, improving his shooting, ballhandling, and defense.

And now, he’s ready for a chance at primetime.

No, Brown is not a fully-developed product, but he is a guy who can be groomed to be a star.

If he can continue to generate highlight reel dunks while improving his outside shooting and ball handling, Brown could be the steal of this year’s free agent class.

Best fit: It looks like Brown’s first choice would be to stay in LA and continue to grow under Phil Jackson’s expert eye.

But like Jordan Farmar, Brown could definitely benefit from playing in a more up-tempo system.

If LA focuses its resources to resign Derek Fisher and someone like Mike Miller, Brown would be a nice addition to a bad team like Indiana or New York or a good fit in places like Cleveland or Chicago, if J.J. Redick stays in Orlando.

If Redick does move north, Brown could also consider replacing him in Orlando.