2012 NBA Free Agents: Ideal Fits for Top Stars on the Market
Steve Nash, Deron Williams and Ray Allen are best players on this summer's 2012 NBA free-agent market. Nash still has a few years of high-quality basketball in front of him, and his basketball IQ will always been at a genius level.
Williams is a franchise cornerstone, a hybrid guard that can go off for 50 one night, then cruise to a triple-double the next time out.
Allen isn't the volume scorer he used to be. But he can still stroke it from deep and everyone knows he'll be in fantastic shape when the 2012-2013 season begins this fall.
What are the perfect matches for these three stars?
Steve Nash, PG
Indiana Pacers
At first glance, this isn't the flashiest signing for Nash, a guy yearning for that ever elusive NBA championship. The Pacers are a small market club that's only recent emerged as a playoff team. However, look at their lineup. Look at what they've been able to do against the mighty Miami Heat.
Danny Granger's a fine scorer that'd benefit greatly from Nash running the point. Roy Hibbert has immense potential as a true center down low. George Hill's a capable scorer in his own right and David West brings that veteran leadership to the forward position.
Indiana has the cap room and although they like what Darren Collison offers as their No. 1, Nash could be the guy that elevates the Pacers to the next level as a legitimate title contender for next few seasons.
An exquisite match.
Deron Williams, PG
Dallas Mavericks
This is a slam-dunk for both sides. Williams grew up in Dallas and the Mavericks are in need of point guard with Jason Kidd at the final stages of his illustrious career.
There's still a shot that he re-signs with the Brooklyn Nets, but only if the team manages to lure Dwight Howard away from the Orlando Magic, which at this time seems unlikely.
History tells us that Mark Cuban won't be bashful in his attempt to get Williams, but there's no indications that he's ready to get into a bidding war with the Nets over the talented point guard.
Regardless of the current situation, Williams to the Mavericks is perfect.
Ray Allen, SG
Los Angeles Clippers
Allen, who'll be 37 in July, has aged extremely well throughout his illustrious NBA career due to a rigorous offseason training regimen.
His numbers have declined over the last four seasons in Boston, but he still averaged 14.2 points per game and shot a shade over 45 percent from distance.
At this juncture, Allen's can still start, but limiting his minutes will keep him more efficient. He deserves to play for a contender, one that needs a clutch perimeter shooter and guy that can be trusted from the free-throw line.
After seeing a considerable boost from the presence of Chris Paul, the Clippers get even more offensively dynamic with Allen floating around the three-point line. With Paul penetrating, DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin down low, Allen could become a valuable commodity for a Clippers team that's on the rise.
