2012 NBA Free Agents: Forwards Who Will Help Shape Next Season
The upcoming free agent class is dominated by guards, but there are certainly some difference-making forwards available.
These guys will garner their share of interest on the open market, and they will bring nice production their team next season.
For the record, I didn't consider any restricted free agents. The chances any of those guys will land on a new team is small.
Gerald Wallace (player option)
Wallace has a player option next season, which means it will be up to him whether he will be a free agent. It is likely he will decide to become a free agent. Newsday's Rod Boone shed a little insight into Wallace's thinking.
"Gerald Wallace, who has a player option for $9 million, indicated he may test the waters in free agency because he wants long-term deal.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) April 27, 2012"
If he does opt for free agency, he will garner plenty of interest. Wallace does all of the unsung things that can really complete a team.
For starters, he is an elite defender. Wallace can shut down opposing small forwards, and with all the elite scoring small forwards in the league this in invaluable.
He is also fantastic in the open court. Any team that wants to improve their defense and fast-break offense would be well served to bring in Wallace.
Garnett is clearly on the declining side of his spectacular career, but he is still more than capable of being a featured piece of a team.
This season, Garnett averaged 8.2 rebounds and 15.8 points per game. He got those points by shooting over 50 percent from the field.
He still has nice touch on his jumper and a solid post game. He is also still a great defender. Garnett averaged a block a game this year, and he is solid in man-to-man against the better power forwards in the league.
It will be interesting to see whether Boston is interested in bringing him back or committed to rebuilding. There is a strong chance that Boston decides to move on and rebuild.
Michael Beasley
Beasley has not lived up to the lofty expectations that accompanied him when he entered the league, but he is a solid player.
Beasley's points per game plummeted this season. He went from averaging 19.2 points per game last season to just 11.5 this season. However, this is due to his declining role, not his ability to pour in buckets.
His minutes fell from 32.3 per game to 23.1 this season.
Beasley should not be considered a starter on an elite team. He is poor on the defensive end and not efficient enough on offense.
However, he is an extremely valuable bench player. He will provide scoring and athleticism, and give teams nice lineup flexibility.
He runs the floor well. When his mid-range jumper is falling, he can score points in a hurry.
