2012 NBA Free Agents: Steve Nash and Veterans Who Must Chase First Title
The NBA’s second season may have just tipped off, but for 14 teams it’s already time to start looking ahead.
The 2012 free-agent class is absolutely loaded and it’s littered with aging veterans that are desperately seeking to win that elusive first ring. No longer can they be the top dog for a contender, now is the time to “pull a LeBron” and team up with other stars to combine forces for the ultimate goal: hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Here are three unrestricted free agents with some major decisions to make this summer.
Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns
Mr. Classy was too nice to Phoenix and should have been traded to a title contender by now, but at least the choice of destination is up to him.
Nash carried a horrendous Suns team to within one game of the playoffs, so clearly there is still something left in the tank. After averaging 12.5 points and 10.7 assists, a team like the Miami Heat would absolutely love to have him on board.
But so would the Chicago Bulls, who may be without Derrick Rose for the vast majority of the regular season. How would you like to see a Rose-Nash backcourt in the 2013 playoffs? Deadly.
Best Fit: Indiana Pacers
Obviously they don’t have the star-power of Miami, but they are on the cusp of something special and need a veteran leader at the point to put them over the top. Think Peyton Manning going to the Denver Broncos.
Kenyon Martin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
Say what you will about his botched China experiment and less than stellar numbers this season (5.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.0 BPG), but he is still a premiere defender in the post that can rebound.
He has two Finals appearances under his belt in addition to making the playoffs all but one of his 11 seasons in the NBA.
A team that lacks toughness inside, like the Philadelphia 76ers or Dallas Mavericks, would be a strong fit. Playoff experience can be invaluable and the 34-year-old still has something left in the tank.
Best Fit: Dallas Mavericks
Without Tyson Chandler, it’s okay to go in the paint against the Mavs once again. Martin can be the guy to create the hard foul and install some toughness in the other post players on the roster.
Antawn Jamison, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
Did you know that Jamison has averaged 19.5 points in 985 career NBA games?
This guy is a natural scorer and despite being saddled on a bland Cavs team, he still averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this past season.
Jamison is a great option for a team that could use an explosive scorer off the bench with over 40 games worth of playoff experience. He is ego-free and a terrific teammate, making him an instant upgrade where ever he goes.
Best Fit: Los Angeles Lakers
He can run the break with former teammate Ramon Sessions and is able to score in the half-court sets on the perimeter. He won’t clash will Kobe and has played for Mike Brown before.
The Lakers need more perimeter scores and Jamison would be a great (and relatively cheap) solution.
