2012 NBA Free Agents: Underrated Players Who Will Provide Terrific Value
Marquee names like Deron Williams and Steve Nash will highlight the offseason free agent market. But only a select number of NBA teams have a chance to land those superstars. Most franchises will have to dig a little deeper to fill roster holes.
Let's take a look at three underrated players that should provide plenty of value to their new teams. They won't generate as much hype as those other players, but sometimes that's a good thing because it lowers expectations to a reasonable level.
Goran Dragic
Dragic has spent most of his five-year career as a backup point guard, but deserves a chance to start next season. He averaged 12 points and five assists in limited playing time with the Houston Rockets, and should flourish if given more playing time.
He's capable of getting into the paint for easy looks or stepping beyond the arc to hit a three. He does a nice job of limiting his turnovers and, most importantly, still have plenty of time for improvement at just 25 years old.
His free agent timing couldn't be much worse with so many dynamic point guards available, but he'll turn into a solid fallback option for teams that miss out on the top-tier guys.
A couple years ago it looked like Wallace was one of the league's rising stars. His all-around abilities made him a valuable asset on both ends. But injuries have dropped his stock considerably as he prepares to hit the free agent market.
That means there will be an obvious risk associated with signing him, but he's worth it. He averaged 15 points and seven rebounds in 16 games for the New Jersey Nets while shooting an impressive 39 percent from beyond the arc.
The less hectic schedule next season should help him stay healthy. Even if he needs to take a couple games off to rest, he'll be a big enough contributor to help the team.
Antawn Jamison
Yes, Jamison still plays in the NBA. It's easy to forget a veteran when he's stuck playing for the rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers, but Jamison has made the most of it. He totaled 17 points and six rebounds per game in his 15th season.
At 35, Jamison still doesn't have a ring and seems like the ideal candidate to help fill out the roster of a contender. He would be an awesome instant-offense option off the bench and could easily step into the starting lineup if needed.
While his numbers will likely take a hit since he'll have less shots available, there's no reason contenders shouldn't at least give him a look instead of chasing a high-priced option.
