2012 NBA Free Agents: Players Who Must Step Up in Playoffs to Gain Interest
There's no way to improve your free agent stock more as a basketball player than to dominate in the NBA playoffs.
Teams will overpay for players who prove that they can handle the mental battles of the playoffs and perform at a high level on the court.
Let's look at a few free agents not getting a lot of publicity, but who could have many teams interested in them during the summer if they play well this postseason.
Lou Williams
Philadelphia 76ers guard Lou Williams is a tremendous scorer who could make himself a lot of money in the summer as an unrestricted free agent. However, to become a free agent, Williams would have to exercise the early termination option in his contract.
Williams, who is just 25 years old, averaged 14.9 points per game this season in only 26 minutes of playing time. In a bigger role, Williams could average 20 points per game in the right situation.
The young guard is a strong scorer who has good shooting range, shoots well from the free-throw line, and has a ton of athleticism.
If he hits the free-agent market, Williams will likely be a sought after player.
Nick Young
Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Nick Young is a great offensive talent and would be a solid starter or bench scorer on any NBA team.
Young doesn't play a lot of defense, but his ability to shoot well from the outside and drive to the basket and finish at the rim makes him a valuable part of a team's offensive strategy.
He's only 26 years old and is still improving his game in many areas. If the Clippers don't re-sign him, Young will be a sought after player this summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Ramon Sessions
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions has a magnificent chance to get a team to overpay for his services this summer by playing well in the postseason.
Having a good point guard is so valuable in today's NBA, and being able to be effective alongside a superstar like Kobe Bryant is also impressive.
Sessions can score consistently, he can shoot well from three-point land, and has strong playmaking skills.
Helping the Lakers make a deep playoff run will earn Sessions a lot of money in the offseason.
