NBA Free Agents 2012: Summer's Most Underrated Moves
There are the big names in NBA free agency, and then there are the underrated players.
We've already heard about Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Jason Terry, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, but what about the under-the-radar moves this summer?
Here's a look at some moves this offseason that will go down as good investments down the line.
Indiana Pacers Set to Re-Sign PG George Hill
George Hill was a fan favorite with the San Antonio Spurs before he joined the Pacers last season. In his four years in the league, he's only started 64 games, but he's been a valuable role player wherever he's played.
Hill can knock down the three ball, play within the game plan and be a very good on-the-ball defender. Upon claiming the starting job for the Pacers late last season, Hill led Indiana to seven straight victories. He averaged 15.4 points and 5.4 assists during that span.
That's probably why the Pacers offered him a five-year contract this week (ESPN).
Philadelphia 76ers Set to Re-Sign C Spencer Hawes
Spencer Hawes had the best season of his career in 2011-2012. He averaged 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in less than 25 minutes per game and shot a career-high 48.9 percent from the floor. Hawes is a true center, he has an emerging postgame and he can hit the mid-range jumper, too.
The two sides agreed to a two-year, $13.1 million extension this week (ESPN).
Phoenix Suns Set to Sign PG Goran Dragic
Goran Dragic is one of the budding young players in the NBA. Groomed under Steve Nash in Phoenix, the 26-year-old Slovenian averaged 11.7 points, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 26 minutes per game last season for the Houston Rockets while shooting 46 percent from the floor.
Dragic, whose strength is attacking the basket, also improved from the free-throw line last season, shooting 80 percent from the charity stripe. Add the fact that he's taking better care of the ball and he's primed for a big season in 2012-2013.
With Nash headed to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns invested a lot to bring Dragic back to town, agreeing on a four-year, $34 million contract (ESPN).
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