2012 NBA Free Agents: Point Guards Abundant on Open Market This Summer
The NBA is a point guard league these days, a point to which this summer's flurry of free agency will serve as a shining testament.
This year's crop is as long on talented ball handlers as any in recent memory. Deron Williams is the obvious headliner of the bunch. The three-time All-Star is the only player at his position who figures to garner a max contract and has long been penciled in to join his hometown Dallas Mavericks, though the Brooklyn-bound Nets will likely have at least a edgewise word before all is said and done.
D-Will is far from the singular star set to test the market, though. Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups and Baron Davis lead the list of aging former All-Stars who will be up for grabs. Nash is easily the biggest prize of that subgroup. The 38-year-old could seek out a lucrative two or three-year deal with an up-and-coming contender with cap flexibility (i.e. the Indiana Pacers), but may well opt to stick with the comfort, familiarity and world-class training staff of the Phoenix Suns.
Kidd (39) might consider retirement unless he finds a cushy spot as a backup somewhere, perhaps in Dallas behind D-Will. Billups and Davis meanwhile, will both be damaged goods with Chauncey rehabbing from a season-ending Achilles injury and Baron either battling back from a shredded knee or hanging 'em up for good.
Kirk Hinrich and Andre Miller occupy the second tier of solid, steady veterans without All-Star experience, just below Mo Williams, who's been an All-Star but figures to exercise his player option, and Jameer Nelson and Raymond Felton, who have disappointed in their prime.
Interested in a scoring sixth man who can handle the ball? Then put a call into Jason Terry, OJ Mayo or Leandro Barbosa.
Looking to take a chance on a younger point guard who's shown flashes of full-time starting ability? Goran Dragic, Jerryd Bayless, Beno Udrih, Aaron Brooks and George Hill will gladly open their hearts if teams open their wallets.
Feeling extra (f)risky? How about Ramon Sessions and/or Jonny Flynn?
And let's not forget about Jeremy Lin. He'll likely make a pretty penny, be it with the New York Knicks or some other sucker of a squad after playing less than two months of occasionally spectacular yet turnover-prone basketball this past season.
So come one, come all, NBA franchises! Step right up if you're looking for a point guard. And take a gander even if you're not.
Either way, you just might find one who fits your need and your price range.
