NBA Free Agents 2012: Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Players on the Market
The 2012 class of NBA free agents has a few superstars, including ageless point guard Steve Nash and franchise cornerstone Deron Williams.
However, if you or your team aren't interested in one of the big names on the market this summer, there are a few great bang-for-your-buck options out there, guys that can significantly contribute in the foreseeable future.
Remember how integral guys like James Posey, Shannon Brown and Tyson Chandler were as role players on recent NBA champions?
Nick Young, SG, Los Angeles Clippers
Young escaped the mess that is the Washington Wizards in a March 2012 trade that sent him to the Clippers.
Although his role was diminished on the much more talented LA squad, there's no doubting Young's ability to score the basketball.
The USC product averaged 14 points and shot 40 percent from the field in 2011. He's only 26 years old, and is a career 82 percent free-throw shooter. He also has good size for the shooting guard position at 6'7''.
Young is a scoring reserve who can provide quality minutes off the bench in a backup shooting guard role. He's flashed moments that make you believe he can be in starting lineup and fill up the stat sheet.
Most importantly, he's coming off four-year, $7.4 million deal. While he'd probably like to receive a more lucrative contract, he doesn't necessarily have the leverage to ask for huge money.
Kris Humphries, PF, Brooklyn Nets
There's a chance that the Brooklyn Nets dismantle if Deron Williams leaves. At 27, 6'9'' power forward Kris Humprhies set career highs in minutes, (34.9) rebounds (11.0) and points (13.8) in 2011, and he no longer has the public relations distraction of Kim Kardashian.
He also shot 75 percent from the line this year and swatted away 1.2 shots per game.
Humphries doesn't have star potential, but he's a solid banger down low who could become a double-double machine at the No. 4 spot.
He's the type of player who seems to be coming into his own, and he is a guy that coaches love to have on their roster.
Humphries is a free agent after signing a one-year, $8 million deal with the Nets in December. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher may be somewhat costly, but for teams needing bulk in the paint, Humphries will be well worth the money he receives.
Goran Dragic, SG, Houston Rockets
Dragic fits in that Jason Terry, scoring-sixth-man role. He's only 26 years old, and he set career highs in minutes, (26.5) assists (5.3) and points 11.7 this season.
While Dragic isn't a stellar defender, he's far from a liability. He broke onto the scene during the 2009-2010 season with the Phoenix Suns as a bench spark and open-floor catalyst with crafty play-making ability. He did start 28 games in 2011, but he'd be better off as one of the first players off the bench who plays considerable minutes to keep starters fresh.
At 6'3'', he's a bit undersized for the shooting guard position, but his fancy, attacking, European style of play gets everyone involved. I'd consider him a scoring point guard.
Dragic isn't a sharp shooter from the outside, but he'll get to the basket, draw fouls and bring a fun energy to the court that seeps into his teammates and fans.
The Yugoslavian is fresh off a four-year, $8 million contract, so he can be acquired relatively cheap this summer.
