NBA Free Agents 2012: Players Making Money with Elite Playoff Performances
Once NBA free agency rolls around this summer there is one thing that will be fresh on NBA general managers' minds.
You guessed it, the playoffs.
So, no matter who disappointed or over-performed at the beginning of this shortened season, playoff performances can easily turn those thoughts around.
With that being said, let's take a gander at what players are earning themselves large raises with terrific playoff runs.
Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
OK, the Big Ticket, who was one of the highest-paid players in the league, won't be getting a raise, but he will get more than he would have at the beginning of the season.
Garnett, who has 16 years worth of tread on his tires, was beginning to look like he was on the other side of the hill, but his move to center this season has rejuvenated him.
Even more so in the playoffs, where KG has looked like the KG of old.
So far, in eight games Garnett has averaged 19.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.3 steals and 1.0 illegal screen (sorry, Boston fans).
He will still only get a year or two, but all of a sudden Garnett isn't going to come cheap.
Spencer Hawes, Philadelphia 76ers
Before the season started, Hawes was an afterthought for just about everyone who watched the NBA.
But then Hawes came out with a bang. He was contributing on offense, passing the ball, rebounding and defending the rim extremely well.
In December, Hawes averaged 12.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest, but then the injury bug hit and the former Washington center was forced to miss 29 total games.
He's proving healthy in the playoffs, though, putting up 11.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
The injury concerns will still scare teams away, but Hawes is a true center and has proved he can put up very good numbers when given the minutes.
He will see a large raise over that $4.1 million he is making this year.
Jordan Hill, Los Angeles Lakers
This one is to a lesser degree than the first two, but simply put, Hill is proving he can be a quality role player on a playoff team.
For a while after the Lakers picked up Hill from the Houston Rockets, he didn't get much playing time. His motor and energy, however, made it so Mike Brown couldn't keep him off the court.
So far in the playoffs, the 24-year-old has pulled down an insane 7.1 rebounds in just 20.3 minutes per contest. He also chips in 0.6 blocks per game.
Teams looking for energy and defense off the bench will go after Hill this summer.
